LIMITED COMPETITION PARTICIPATION | 2008

The shape of the building is modelled thanks to the fact that the size of the plot and the permitted number of floors allows to fit all the built area in a building with a footprint smaller than the site. The building is structured around a central stair and lift core 9×20,50 m wide. The façades follow the alignments that the surrounding city imposes. This is subtly changed in Alumini Street in order to maximize the public space in the corner, thus allowing for the creation of the access to the building.

The result is a building with very narrow circulation areas, whereas it expands in the working areas, creating spaces that almost have four façades and therefore of great quality. These open plan areas allow easily for the fitting of the enclosed areas required in the brief as well as the open working areas.

Although office blocks have traditionally been clad with steel and glass curtain walling systems, it is recommended to re-evaluate the use of such technology taking into consideration the efficiency of such structures, both environmentally and economically, as well as in terms of user friendliness. It is for this reason that this building is not clad in glass entirely, but follows a filled-void pattern all along it with 1,25m apertures which can be opened to allow cross-ventilation. The with of a module of window and solid panel is 2,40 m, which is optimum for an office.