Caltech Chen Neuroscience Research Building / SmithGroup

At the Chen Neuroscience Research Building’s center is a space called the 'Nucleus'. It visually connects all Principal Investigator offices, formal and informal meeting spaces. A skylight lined with glass tiles bathes the space in light from above with a softly shimmering glow. This space stands in contrast to the systematic order of the laboratories through a fluid and organic expression. The Nucleus' emotional intent is to inspire and reflect the moment of a scientific breakthrough. Like a clearing in the forest that gives one a sense of discovery, the Nucleus aspires to bring the research groups together around their central purpose of understanding our human mind.