La Trobe Institute by lyons

The building is designed around the University’s specific model for creating a pathway for students in science; an environment where students can develop into student researchers and ultimately into lead researchers.

An integral part of the brief was for the project to have a ‘transformative’ effect in terms of the architecture and identity of the campus, which had previously been built within the strict guidelines for materials and heights.

A major stairway rises through the centre of the building, connecting the student and research levels – as a form of representation of the ‘pathway’. The cellular exterior of the building is derived from ideas about expressing the molecular research that is being undertaken within the building, and is adjusted via the materiality of the building itself.

The walls are primarily precast concrete, with the cells providing a ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ window into the various spaces, aiding the penetration of daylight. The cellular concept also creates a framework for a number of distinctive spaces for students to occupy or for research staff to meet and collaborate.

Spikerverket by mad arkitekter

The façade is composed of a repeated geometric module. By staggering the placement of the modules on each floor, larger forms coagulate to give an effect that is both repetitive and seemingly random or free.

A degree of relief is included in the facades. This stands in opposition to the two-dimensionality that is often encountered in office facades. This relief also increases the articulation of the geometric compositions by creating a separation between the outer layer of light coloured, matt natural anodised aluminium forms and the inner layer of glass and dark, glossy metal.

The sense of identity that the façade affords is not only an exterior effect. As a result of the diagonal lines and varying sizes of the modules, there are four different window forms. These give a playful feel to the large open office landscapes inside as well as providing a varying factor for smaller rooms along the façade.