CICnanoGUNE / CICnanoGUNE

nanoGUNE, which means “place for nano activity” in Basque, is a government-sponsored nanoscience initiative situated on the campus of the University of San Sebastian in Spain. The 6,000 m² facility was designed by HGA in collaboration with Spanish architect Javier San Jose Marques to house specialized nanotechnology laboratory spaces.

Architectural Layout and Core Programs

The building’s layout is structured to optimize performance, segregating functions across its levels. The lowest floor contains high-performance, double-height spaces essential for sensitive instrumentation, including the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), the Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM), and E-Beam lithography. The upper floors house a lecture hall, a cafe, and the primary research labs for biology, chemistry, and optics. The facility is home to various nano initiatives covering bio-nano, imaging, nano-fab, and optics.

Specialized Design Features

Several technical spaces incorporate critical design details for precision and accessibility. The E-Beam lithography tool is installed within a soundproof enclosure in the cleanroom, while a segregated control room was added on the non-clean side to allow access to non-gowned personnel. The imaging suite is composed of ten isolated rooms, each supported by a two-level service gallery. The lower level of the gallery is dedicated to pumps and chillers, while the upper level holds dedicated fan coil units. The perimeter corridor features glass walls, which allow natural light to penetrate the control areas, creating a more appealing and open work environment.

Mission and Impact

As one of several Centers of Cooperative Research (CICs) in Spain, nanoGUNE is an ideal platform for fostering a new scientific community. It receives funding from the European Research Council (ERC) to commercialize its innovative research findings. nanoGUNE emphasizes technology transfer, recognizing its critical role in social and economic development, and strives to build a sustainable future through its scientific culture and research impact.