ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ

In the Electron Microscopy Centre (EMC), researchers can examine the configuration of atomic structures at the nano scale. These configurations are important for understanding the chemical or physical properties of materials, and then for developing new materials. An electron microscope can differentiate, visualise and characterise even the lightest elements, such as oxygen, nitrogen and carbon. With this knowledge, scientists can design better and more energy-efficient devices, such as batteries, solar panels and electronic display screens.

Funding

Over the past few years, funding from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ has made possible a massive expansion of the Electron Microscopy Centre. The EMC now has the most advanced electron microscopy equipment in the world. These devices require a foundation that is almost completely free of vibrations.

Building process in 3 parts

This art installation was designed based on the steps in a building process: plan, foundations, construction and detailing. In a building process, as in the creation of this installation, craftsmanship and digitisation are combined with modern materials and technologies.

Part 1: The Foundation

The form of this art installation was based on the shape of the lot where the Electron Microscopy Centre was erected. The outline of the site mirrors the proportions of the golden ratio. The lot does not stand on its own; it is part of a larger whole.

The lot is represented by the white panel cast by hand from a modern material: acrylic one, a water-based, non-shrink resin. The triangular relief represents a building blueprint. Bright, virginal white, with the potential for growth. It can also be seen as a symbolic ‘cornerstone’ that the builder presents to the client.

Contemporary construction is imbued with the necessity to become more sustainable. That sustainability is represented here by a logarithmic spiral that marks the boundaries of the projected rectangles (the buildings). This spiral form is manifested throughout nature, in the shape of galaxies, plants and snail shells, which makes it a perfect symbol for natural growth.

Part 2: Topping Out

The ‘topping out’ ceremony is symbolised by an abstract depiction of a building. The four walls, again represented by the golden ratio, are made of four different kinds of native wood: pear, beech, charry and walnut. The panels are fastened with traditional box joints, but the precision of the joints is only made possible by state-of-the-art water jet cutters.

The box joints, with an extra cube in the dimensions of the joint teeth in the middle of the four walls, were positioned to create a spiral staircase from the ground floor to the highest point.

Assembling this wooden ‘building’ resembles toy blocks in all sizes and colours. And isn’t that where today’s builders all got their start? It represents how BAM is realising the new EMC, but in real-life, life-sized and in collaboration with skilled craftsmen.

Part 3: Delivery

This bronze medallion completes the building process and symbolises the building’s seal of approval. The bronze seal epitomises the intentions of the client and the builder.

The circle on the facing side of the medallion represents both construction in general and the sun: the inexhaustible source of energy that gives us life and that makes life possible.

The medallion text expresses respect for the building, as if it were a person - one with whom we have a relationship. The relationship is based on us living and working inside its space. And just as we know that we humans are mortal, so too is the most beautiful and sustainable building built by humans.

Pedestal & dome: installation mounting

Like the installation itself, the design of the pedestal also uses the golden ratio. Both the pedestal and the dome are made largely out of recycled materials. The pedestal is built from the rubble of the former Earth Sciences building at Utrecht Science Park. The housing for part 2 of the installation and the dome were both made from re-used acrylic panels.