Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology and Cell Technology, Lübeck, Germany

The new multi-unit complex for the Fraunhofer research institute is a further building block in Lübeck’s large urban design development project.

Four different open spaces with various usage requirements are created, which include a parking lot and three courtyards. Each of the three courtyards fulfills a different function. The depot courtyard is used for deliveries. A further courtyard provides places to rest and relax – a classical open space ideal. In the sand dunes, grasses sway between boulders and three palm trees. Wooden decks cross through the dune landscape. Also in the third courtyard, another type of experiment takes place. A water basin, placed in a shell-gravel area planted with primeval plants (i.e. Gingko trees) is filled with sea water. The salt water basin does not only fulfill the function of an attraction and contemplation, but also for sea water research. Here, more fish are simultaneously drawn ashore.