The project was derived out of a collective master-planning exercise. Based on the designed site layout the project responds to the surrounding context and establishes itself as an integral part of the proposed site.
The Multimedia and Arts Diploma institute provides courses which will allow students to equip themselves with professional expertise in fields that are emerging as potentially strong career options. The institute will thus have the tendency to adapt and change its curriculum parallel to the changing trends of the market.
Design primarily evolved with a clustering exercise of the different programs. Several massing studies were tried out with the attempt to reach a solution that adheres to both the program and the site.
The site for the project is located next to a fast traffic road. At the northern end of the site a pedestrian street cuts across with a pedestrian plaza. The building thus stood as a barrier to natural light from washing into the plaza. Hence a strategy was devised by splitting the building into 3 fragments. The gaps in these fragments brought light into the plaza and the building's interior. It also became a ventilation channel. The gaps also provide multiple views in different directions and these 3 units also act as tools for categorizing the programs.
Sketches and studies showing natural illumination and shadow.
The building is joint with a Mediatheque on the west and at the first floor which inhabits the cafeteria the space flows across to the Mediatheque becoming an elevated joint food court. At the bottom the builging allows a criss-crossed acess to and fro the street and plaza. This creates dynamic circulation patters and views.
In the shorter section the building is designed such that the massing cascades down towards the plaza.
At the south facade of the building a screen is installed which acts as a shade. This screen is designed as an element that suggests tension as the 3 fragments break away. It also acts as a visual element designed to create an illusory animation as the cars drive by since the street elevation will mostly be observed by people in cars.
