In partnership with Spanish architect Javier San Jose Marques, Wilson Architects (now HGA) designed the specialized nanotechnology laboratory spaces within the 6,000 m2 NanoGUNE facility. Located in San Sebastian, NanoGUNE is a N Official Cooperative Research Center (CIC), and provides Nanoscience resources to the Basque Region and the greater EU community. This building supports diverse nano initiatives, including bio-nano, imaging, nano-fabrication, nano magnetism and nano optics.

High-performance functions, such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (STM), E-Beam Lithography, and a cleanroom are housed in the ground in the basement level within a double-height plinth. Upper floors accommodate nano biology, nano chemistry, and nano optics in modular laboratories, above a lecture hall and café on the main public floor.

The E-beam lithography tool is located within a soundproof enclosure inside the cleanroom, with a separate control room on the non-clean side for personnel not required to gown. The imaging suite features ten isolated rooms, each serviced by a two-level service gallery. Pumps and chillers are located on the lower level, while dedicated fan coil units are housed on the upper level. Glass walls along the perimeter corridor allow natural light into the control areas, creating a pleasant working environment within the plinth.

NanoGUNE, meaning "place for nano activity" in Basque, combines an attractive setting with specialized facilities, providing an ideal platform for the newly formed global scientific community. As one of several CICs in Spain, NanoGUNE receives funding from the European Research Council to advance applications for its innovative research. Recognizing the vital role of technology transfer in social and economic development, NanoGUNE is a highly successful public/private partnership that contributes to a sustainable future through its scientific endeavors.

For this University of San Sebastian CIC NanoGUNE Project, William F. Wilson, FAIA was principal in charge at Wilson Architects. He was the PIC/lab planning from the start of the project to occupancy. Throughout all project phases, from pre-design, budgeting and programming to schematic design, design development, and the completion of Tender  Documents, he led the team. His responsibilities included coordinating local engineers from IDOM, US engineers and the Spanish architect Javier San Jose Marques. See articles about this project as well as more information on the following links: