‘la trobe institute for molecular science’ by lyons architects

north eastern corner overlooking the northern forecourt. images courtesy lyons, dianna snape, michael evans, nils koenning

the la trobe institute for molecular science (LIMS) by australian lyons architecture is a major new building on university’s bundoora campus, which will meet the school’s long-term needs in terms of student learning and research in the science disciplines. the project seeks a‘transformative’ identity of the campus, which had previously been built within the strict guidelines for materials and heights.

the lower levels of the building accommodate first to third year undergraduate learning spaces – with large open flexible labs (accommodating teaching cohorts for 160 students) connected with ‘dry’ learning spaces. this allows people to move between laboratory based project work, to digital and collaborative learning activities within the adjacent spaces. at ground level, these learning areas breakout to new landscaped interior environments, extending the idea of placing students at the centre of outside social and learning hubs.

the upper three levels of the building are research focused and based around a highly collaborative model. all laboratories are large open flexible spaces where teams are able to work together, or expand and contract according to research funds. these large ‘super labs’ are located immediately adjacent to write-up spaces, allowing a very direct physical and visual connection between all research work sections. the plan includes a major conference room, staff ‘college’ lounge and informal meeting spaces, are also located on the research levels. the design is fully integrated with the adjacent existing structure, which accommodates a number of other lims research staff and laboratories.

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.

Continue reading on DesignBoom

Sydney, Australia’s “One Central Park” by Jean Nouvel Moves Forward

image: Atelier Jean Nouvel/Designboom

Jean Nouvel’s design for “One Central Park” in Sydney, Australia finally approved.

Much more via Designboom here.

Albert Speer and Partner: Qatar Stadiums 2022 FIFA World Cup

With the World Cup underway, I have kept an eye open for future FIFA World Cup stadium designs.  Bingo! Check this out.  Hat tip to designboom.

al wakrah stadium - one of the existing stadiums that will be transformed

Dubai recently unveiled images of stadiums, designed by german architectural firm Albert Speer and Partner, for the bid of Qatar for the World Cup Soccer 2022.  If Qatar wins the bid there will be three completely new stadiums and two existing stadiums that will be subject to extension.

Qatar’s plans to use solar technology to power carbon-neutral technology to cool the stadiums and to make sure the temperature at the games does not rise above 27 degrees celsius.
 
In order to meet demand post-tournament of Qatar Stars League most of the stages was designed with a higher form that can be dismantled after the world cup.
 
The concept of hospitality in Qatar is extremely compact and all stages are an hour’s drive from the FIFA World Cup 2022 headquarters which will allow fans to attend more than one game per day.  A new and efficient metro system, with a total length of 320 km will be built in 2021. all stages will be connected to the highway system in qatar and to provide easy access for spectators, some may also be reached by water taxi. not only the fans will benefit from this ‘compact’, but also teams that could remain in their base camp for the duration of the championship.

al wakrah stadium

The brand new 45,120 capacity al-wakrah stadium will be located in a sports complex that will consist of an aquatic centre, spa, sports facilities and a mall. the centre will be a bustling centre 365 days a year and is adjacent to the future routing of the doha expressway.

Located in the northeast of Qatar, designed in the shape of a beautiful asymmetrical shell the al khor stadium will have a capacity of 45,330 seats. some viewers will see the gulf from their seats as the players will benefit from a flexible cover that will ensure the shadow on the pitch.

outside the al wakrah stadium

Full article and photos click here.