Designed by David Chipperfield Architects, with specialist laboratory designs by Eurolabors, and known as the Piazzetta building this 125,000 ft2 project is part of Vittorio Lampugnani’s Novartis Campus masterplan in Basel, Switzerland. Located on Fabrikstrasse, the principal axis of the new campus, the Piazzetta building adopts a central position on the intersection of this principal axis with the main east-west axis, which leads towards the Rhine river. The building is composed of a deep structure to the south and more slender wings on the north and east sides, enclosing a central garden courtyard area at ground level which opens onto Fabrikstrasse to the west. A six metre high columned arcade runs along Fabrikstrasse and continues into the courtyard, opening up the ground floor of the east wing towards the river. A sophisticated structural approach is used to achieve high flexibility of use and to guarantee continuity of the architectural language. Column-free floorplans transcend the traditional office structure to allow greater openness and opportunities for interaction. This approach is defined by the cores of both structures as well as a visible external load-bearing facade in precast concrete units that create a sculptured effect. For the deeper structure to the south, which is primarily intended to serve as a laboratory, there is also a 89 foot wide load-bearing structure that spans between the two cores. This area between cores is to be heavily fitted out, allowing technically complex experiments to be carried out here. The perimeter areas, along the facades will primarily serve as clerical office space, circulation and break out space distinguished by generous ceiling heights and good natural daylight. The top floors of the building houses offices, with a garden courtyard designed in collaboration with the artist Serge Spitzer between the cores. An open stair designed by Ross Lovegrove connects the upper office levels with the garden courtyard. A restaurant and coffee bar are situated on the ground floor along the colonnade, offering a lively and engaging facade at street level.