SUSTAINABILITY

For this new building, COSA and RHB architects focused on selecting materials with purpose and efficiency. Their goal was to maximize versatility, functionality, and practicality through thoughtful material use. This is evident in the building’s structure, where layered wooden beams naturally define the spaces, and in the carefully chosen finishes.

The primary beams are arranged to support one or two linear rows of SOLEAL sliders in each workshop. By minimizing visible aluminium, these slim, elegant frames allow more natural light to flood the interiors. The consistent grid pattern not only optimizes material use but also helps lower costs by reducing the amount of aluminium needed. Additionally, the building’s design avoids false ceilings, leaving systems exposed, and raw walls reduce the need for plastering, all contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

In response to the changing needs of modern education and a commitment to sustainability, the new school of architecture is designed as a compact, flexible structure. The different elements of the building are carefully integrated to create an efficient and coherent design. These components are interchangeable and adaptable, allowing the building to evolve and meet future needs. This flexibility ensures that the spaces can support various activities, from individual workstations to collaborative group areas.

The project's sustainability is also visible in its external design. Its compact structure has saved space, turning what used to be asphalt on the North side into a "prototype garden." This green area acts as a creative space where students can work outdoors, enjoying nature while boosting their creativity. The garden also helps local wildlife by using native plants, which support biodiversity.

The design is both simple and versatile, allowing each workshop space to serve multiple purposes: students can work alone or in groups in the lounge, or attend video-projected lectures. This flexibility makes the design highly durable and positions it as a model for future educational spaces that combine sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.