existing faculty have been carried over into the new building but expressed in a contemporary manner , thereby strengthening the link between the buildings . Rainwater is collected from both roofs and transported via perimeter underground pipe that allows for water harvesting .
The design process was further informed by the current walkways around the public square . It was felt that primary routes should remain and that the building should respect them . The result is a building that is juxtaposed with the adjacent building lining up with walkways and thereby strengthening the public square and walkways .
Hard and soft landscaping has been used as a means to encourage interaction between students through the creation of pause areas . The space between the new and adjacent building creates a private landscaped courtyard for faculty students and staff and allows for an easy transition setting up the juxtaposition .
Charcoal concrete pavers have been used to reinforce the existing walkways which then transition to charcoal porcelain tiles as you step underneath the cantilevered entrance . The charcoal tile continues on the ground floor level as well as in the courtyard . The continuation of the floor finish into the courtyard allows the space to be used for functions should the weather permit .
Façade The façade is predominantly made up of brick panels separated by vertical glass slots allowing light into the interior . The predominantly red face brickwork with protruding black brick increases in grading as the height of the walls increase .
The entrance is defined by a glazed cantilever ‘ box ’ suspended over a platform that delineates it from the walkway and public space adding a layer of privacy .
The monolithic form is interrupted by a horizontal glazed incision that allows views out of the office space on first floor level .
The façade in the courtyard is primarily glazed over two volumes which flood the interior with natural daylight and allows the courtyard to become part of the atrium .
The cantilevered office on first floor is primarily glazed with aluminium louvers allowing the box ’ to be expressed as a light element floating above the entrance and also controlling the light in the space .
The Interior The building is entered via the walkway between two monolithic brick forms and opens up dramatically into the glazed atrium . The full height glazing allows the courtyard to become part of the atrium , thereby creating a space that feels larger than its actual footprint . The atrium /
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