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Champalimaud Foundation, Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon

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The ‘Centre for the Unknown’ will be a leading center of neuroscience and cancer research within Europe, that will include laboratories for basic and clinical research, an ambulatory care centre for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients, conference rooms and other teaching facilities.

Architect Charles Correa developed the architectural concept and dpa were commissioned to design the exterior and interior lighting including public spaces, gardens, treatment rooms and research laboratories. The prominent site location at the entrance to the river in Lisbon placed great architectural importance on the amazing views from both the buildings and public vista. The exterior lighting approach supports these views using integrated lighting elements coordinated within the landscape and architecture whilst providing visual interest at a human scale and functional light for the pedestrian.

It was important the interior had an atmosphere more closely reflecting that of a spa experience rather than the often harsh environment experienced in many clinical centres. Low level lighting elements and dimmable, warm white sources help to achieve this throughout public spaces. Treatment and scanning rooms use coloured light promoting a relaxed atmosphere, and offers an alternative focus during moments of treatment.

To reach a sustainable and energy efficient lighting installation a lighting control strategy was developed to allow the lighting to respond to the flexible use of interior spaces. This also allows certain elements to be time-clock controlled and turned off during hours of low occupancy helping to reduce energy consumption.

Daytime visualisations courtesy of Consiste.
Site photography courtesy of Colin Mosher, RMJM.

For further photographs of the construction phase, please visit the Champalimaud Foundation website by clicking here.






















   "Right Light, Right Place, Right Time"