Iconic buildings in science parks and areas of innovation

We always say that an innovation ecosystem is much more than bricks and mortar, but that doesn’t mean the buildings aren’t important - quite the opposite. A recent enquiry we conducted of IASP members revealed just how important some buildings can be in creating a distinctive identity for science parks and areas of innovation around the world.

Not long ago we asked our members to tell us about the architectural elements and buildings in their STP/AOI that they consider "iconic". We had such a great response, with so many striking photos of members’ iconic buildings, that we wanted to share it with the world at large.

When we invited members to share their pictures, we defined “iconic” as a building that, due to its design, stands as a key element of the park's branding, and makes the park recognisable and recognised even internationally.

The development of a park's branding is a key factor in attracting talent and companies. The buildings’ design is therefore important, although obviously design must go hand in hand with utility. Buildings must be thought out and designed with a clear purpose and based on the needs of the resident companies and services that the STP or AOI will offer. 

Some very different buildings are included, and they offer a valuable overview of science and technology parks and areas of innovation around the world. Some buildings were designed by prestigious architects and, in some cases, have received awards for their design, as is the case of Skolkovo (Russia), the Technology Park of Gijón (Spain), La Salle Innovation Park (Mexico), Utrecht Science Park (The Netherlands) and Krakow Technology Park (Poland).

In other cases, STPs/AOIs have remodelled and restored old city buildings, giving them a new life and new function. Comonext (Italy) is located in a renovated factory; São Jose dos Campos Technology Park events centre is placed in a former manufacturing facility; and the Porto Digital area of innovation (Brazil) was established in Recife's historic city centre, maintaining the external features and facades with their distinctive colonial architecture, while redesigning interiors to host modern, innovative technology companies. 

Other emblematic buildings attract attention even from a distance, such as Kilometro Rosso (Italy). A vibrant red wall, one kilometre long and lying parallel to the highway, gives this park a strong identity. The same goes for the "Ruah" sculpture at La Salle Innovation Park in Mexico, which is seven metres tall and can be seen from the park buildings and from the highway.

There are also characteristic structures, evoking different shapes or figures, like the building of Technopark Morocco (Morocco) atypical and symmetric architecture that led it to be compared to "Goldorak", in reference to the Japanese anime robot; the Scientific and Technological Park of Bizakaia building simulating the shape of a ship; or the auditorium at the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park dubbed “The Golden Egg”. 

You can see some of these buildings above and below; for a full selection of photos you can browse the full album at https://www.flickr.com/gp/191238875@N08/Qsh143.