Diabetes Research and Treatment Centre.

In the age of global urbanisation and digitalisation, agriculture remains an overlooked, yet essential industry providing humans with nutrition and nourishment. Over time, the overconsumption of certain products such as sugar has led to a global health crisis, with millions suffering from diabetes and heart problems. The Diabetes Research and Treatment Centre, located outside Basel, Switzerland, provides patients with care and treatment while simultaneously performing the experimental method of insulin manufacturing using yeast and E.Coli bacteria.

The building’s materiality has a basis in waste products from sugar production, utilising beet pulp, molasses and other materials. Taking a no-waste approach, the entirety of the crop is used to create various atmospheres throughout the building. Sugar (and its by-products), which in excess could become a poison, is given a new purpose, creating a place where one can heal from its side effects.