School of Environmental Studies Building / TJAD
Overview of the project.The School of Environment Building is located in the west part of China University of GeosciencesWuhanFuture City Campus, with a total land area of 14,460 and a gross built area of 28,170 . The building houses laboratories, classrooms and offices as well as lecture halls and offices for teaching and research in environmental science. Through a series of outdoor gardens, courtyards and other features, the design seeks to connect the landscape and architecture to foster communication and innovation.
Strategy
1.Open to the LandscapeThe entire building is set up in a U-row that opens to allow a full view of Lake Ontario in the east. The south section of the building is composed of offices and classrooms, with a panoramic view to the green land on its south side. To avoid the buried wastewater treatment station at the northwest corner of the building, the north side of the building is arranged in a series of roof gardens that lead to the lake.
2. Anchoring on the siteWe created two entrance halls to make the site accessible and open, as the site is situated high in the west and low at the east. To avoid the northeast corner’s underground sewage treatment station, we created a building form on the north that moves in a broken line. It echoes the terrain’s elevation difference through layers of retreat platforms and forms a rhythmic and hilly building facade image.
3. 3D courtyards.The design aimed to create a three-dimensional garden facing Lake. Two courtyards on different levels are connected on the ground floor. A landscaped ramp connects to the roof garden and the outdoor plaza on east side. It creates an open space for roaming. The corridors’ roofs are well-designed with plants. The building’s 3D garden allows for communication between people and nature.
4. High Mountains and Running river.The building’s shape is like a mountain covered in green plants. However, the interior design is soft and bright like rivers. The main decorative materials are a smooth metal plate, gypsum boards, and gradual lighting. This creates the effect of a flowing river and rushing river.
