The Biomedical Research and Biotechnology Center (BRBC), a 25,000 square meter facility, will be located in Carini, a few kilometers from Palermo International Airport. The BRBC will place Sicily in a leading position in the development of new-generation drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, attracting in Palermo the most talented researchers and retaining in our country the best Italian doctors and scientists. The BRBC will hire principal investigators (up to 50 research team leaders), researchers, technicians, fellows, administrators, assistants, animal care workers, service staff, IT engineers, etc., for a total of approximately 600 jobs.

The BRBC will be a model of public-private partnership collaborating with universities, research centers, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies, developing strategic alliances and attracting research funds and investments. The BRBC will host an incubator including and supporting small companies, spin-offs, and start-ups, to overcome information unbalance between research and market potential, with a considerable positive impact on the Sicilian economy.

PROJECT CONCEPT The BRBC is based on the “village-road” model characterized by a totally flexible organization of space. The three-story laboratory complex consists of two buildings, connected via walkways and common areas. The compact and transparent design promotes contact, also visual, between staff. The buildings will host Structural Biology and Biophysics, Regenerative Medicine, Immunotherapy, Proteomics, Molecular Informatics, Advanced Data Analysis, Medicinal Chemistry, Screening of Therapeutic Targets, Vaccine Development, Bioengineering and Medical Devices, Tissue Engineering and Preclinical laboratories. In addition, there will be a clinic building, large common areas, offices, an auditorium and a guest house.

THE BRBC AS A LOCAL LANDSCAPE LANDMARK  The campus has an environmental and climate-friendly design. It develops along an axis oriented from the mountain to the sea, with splendid views in both directions. The project enhances the surrounding natural landscape and includes large green areas intended for leisure.

SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES The project design includes various strategies for reducing consumptions:

• diversification of air-conditioned areas
• heat recovery
• light load reduction during the day
• rooftop solar power system
• building orientation and windows designed to capture the summer breeze and minimize the impact of winter winds.

Locally sourced materials were used that meet recycling and renewable requirements.

The awarded project of the International Design Competition was submitted by Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum Inc. (group leader), Buro Happold Ltd., Progetto CMR S.r.l., De Cola Associati, EUPRO S.r.l., Geologo Randazzo.