ELI Beamlines is the first laser research infrastructure to involve scientists from the global research community and represents truly international teamwork. It is cited as one of the European Union’s top priority projects.
The ELI Beamlines project marks a new chapter in European scientific research. The new generation of laser technology to be installed in the facility is expected to contribute to the development of new techniques in cancer diagnosis and therapy, and to serve research in a variety of fields such as biochemistry, pharmacy, material sciences and nano-science. In the long run, the research to be carried out at ELI is expected to bring opportunities to high-tech industry and to society at large.
The overriding philosophy of the scheme is to integrate what is a very large building into the sensitive 'village' surroundings of the site at Dolni Brezany, which is located south of Prague. The campus style building has been developed in accordance with the design guidance of the laser's required orientation, with the public facilities being located to the North adjacent to the another new laser research facility. The overall concept has been conceived to allow a 'public face' for the building whilst meeting all the various security issues required by the client.

The central element of the design is a massive concrete ‘box’ comparable in size to a football pitch. A lightweight roof floats over the constituent parts of the building, creating a unifying element. The staggered louvres of the canopy evoke the essence of the laser - a subliminal reference to the continuous nature of laser exploration. These louvres are designed to shade the spaces below during the summer months whilst allowing the sun to penetrate and heat the atrium during the winter months.

The landscaping is inspired by the laser beam itself with its powerful and purposeful linear geometry generating an integrated concept of built space and landscaping.

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