Dezeen promotion: Wulf Architekten has used Velux's modular skylights at a research centre in western Germany, to flood its entrance and oval-shaped laboratory building with natural light.
The German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases – abbreviated to DZNE – is situated in the city of Bonn. It is one of ten centres spread across Germany, where scientists work to develop new treatments for health conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Stuttgart-based practice Wulf Architekten was charged with the design of this outpost, which contains three interconnected buildings with slightly curved glass facades partially screened by rows of yellow, green and orange fins.
Inside two of the buildings are light-filled circulation spaces intended to "highlight the groundbreaking research that goes on [in the building]" and improve the well-being of members of staff that spend most of their work days tucked away in dark laboratory rooms.
The pair of atriums that bring light into the buildings are topped by Velux Modular Skylights.
One atrium is located in the oval-shaped laboratory building, where the skylights have been arranged in a corresponding elliptical formation illuminating a series of white-painted staircases that sit directly underneath.
The second atrium is located at the DZNE's entrance, and contains the building's main stairs, as well as break-out spaces.
All of the skylights have been fitted with subtle frames and concealed ventilation mechanisms to achieve an overall minimalist aesthetic.
"Light is one of the main tools of an architect. It's one of the things that makes the difference between an idea and a piece of architecture," explained Steffen Vogt, partner at Wulf Architekten.
"Creating this was to be a significant architectural challenge, but together with Velux Modular Skylights, [we] were able to bring the design to life."
Velux's Modular Skylights are designed to fit a variety of roof configurations – Wulf Architekten previously placed them at the top of a 700-pupil school in the German town of Weiterstadt, filling teaching spaces with sunlight and fresh air.
Find out more about Velux on its website.