Terra Cotta-Colored Lupin Research Center Merges Western Tech with Eastern Philosophy

Pharmaceutical companies have a bad reputation for making the big bucks even as millions of people go without decent medicine, but <a href="http://www.malikarchitecture.com/">Malik Architecture</a> has inspired scientists at the Lupin Research Center in India to take a more sensitive approach to their work. Located in an especially arid area, this beautiful terra cotta-colored complex is modeled after the iconic mandala in order to encourage enlightened thinking. It also has a gentle environmental footprint. By <a href="http://inhabitat.com/urban-field-piezoelectric-trees-harvest-rainwater-and-generate-energy/">harvesting and recycling rainwater</a>, using recycled materials, and incorporating <a href="http://inhabitat.com/slunakov-eco-education-center/">passive cooling</a> into the design, the India-based design team has given the pharmaceutical company a sustainable headquarters. We are fascinated by the rich play of light and shadow, which has both atmospheric and environmental benefits, and the symmetry of the built environment with its stark surroundings.

This beautiful complex by Malik Architecture combines western technology with eastern philosophy

It is modeled after the iconic Mandala

With the head comprised of the administrative complex on the top of the hill

While the main research center flows from south to north, wrapped around a central courtyard

It is supposed to inspire intuitive creativity

So nature plays an integral role in its design

Oriented to reduce solar gain

Most of the rooms are kept naturally cool and ventilated

As well as day lit through an extraordinary play of light and shadow

The bricks are made from recycled fly ash

And the terra cotta color gives it a vernacular ambience

Water features heavily throughout

With the dual purpose of inspiring reflection and cooling the outside

Rainwater is harvested and carefully channeled

We have featured Malik Architecture on Inhabitat before

We think it is easy to see why!