Rolex Learning Centre
200best ES
SANAA
2010
Type
University
Tags
learning environments, spaces for science , university campus , contemporary agoras, 200Best
Visitability
Allowed
Description
This is a learning center located at the EPFL / École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne campus which includes diverse programs such as a library, multipurpose hall, café, restaurant, etc.We designed the building as a single space and put it almost in the center of the site for easy access from the surrounding facilities. All programs are installed in this big room. It is a 166.5m x 121.5m area, which is undulating gently, making it a kind of topographical environment. These waves create a large amount of openness under the building, inviting people to walk under and approach the entrance hall located at the center of the building.This landscape with valleys, slopes and humps, as well as different-sized light gardens, generates spaces with diverse characteristics. The hill-like places have good views and are used as study spaces and for the restaurant. Clusters of small light wells generate a quiet atmosphere with human scale for offices. Each space is softly divided but remains continuous at the same time, connected to the campus outside. With these strategies, we endeavored to create an open structure for people.(Description provided by SANAA)