The AUB Drawing Studio was officially opened on 3rd March 2016 by special guest, the world famous Dame Zaha Hadid.
Challenge
Developing smart, connected communities
To create an all steel monocoque, whilst celebrating and designed around the phenomenon of natural light.
Taking the form of a large room of 140 square metres, with a 30 square metre oval north-light window as main illumination, with a ‘booster’ light for the rear of the room from a clerestory window of 10 square metres.
Solution
Blending functionality with contemporary aesthetics
The all-steel monocoque construction was designed and completed by renowned architect, AUB alumnus and Honorary Fellow, Professor Sir Peter Cook RA and his office CRAB (Cook Robotham Architectural Bureau) together with the engineers Adams Kara Taylor and the shipbuilding offshoot CIG. Consisting of framed panels that are precisely tailored and fabricated in Germany and subsequently re-assembled, welded and painted on site.
This was then treated to create a continuous interior white surface with a grey floor, while the exterior is clad in sleek, curved blue steel. Calcinotto were appointed to provide structural engineering services during construction including the design of the foundations and the complicated temporary works required to accurately construct the steel panels with accuracy.
Awards:
- RIBA National Award 2016
- RIBA South West Award 2016
- RA Top 10 Maverick Building 2016
- Constructing Excellence South West Building Project of the Year 2016
- Constructing Excellence South West Innovation Award 2016
- Schueco Excellence for Design and Innovation – Judges’ Special Award 2016
- Civic Trust Awards Regional Finalist 2017
- Civic Trust National Award 2017
- Categories Education
