PART III PROJECTS
10. EXPERIMENTAL ARCHITECTURE 10.9 ECOBOX
Architectural Characteristics All these climatic and biotechnological measures have influenced the design of the building, the layout and the volumetric arrangement of its internal spaces, as well as the choice of materials capable of absorbing heat or cooling and releasing it by convection. As the building acts as a whole in terms of a s ingle thermal entity, the internal spaces are interconnected. The result is a functional design conceived to respond to the concept of experimental bio-climatic architecture. Each bioclimatic component is expressed clearly and with honesty, akin to the structural elements of the building. Together they give the Ecobox its distinctive design character. The building consists of a simple modular layout with spatial arrangements adaptable to different uses.This original concept stems from the conviction that innovation occurs at the intersection of different disciplines to bring about the confluence of distinct ideas.The common areas and the central open space constitute the architectural response to these requirements. As the building is modular its interior space is flexible and can be compartmented to accommodate different uses. The Atrium is the heart of the building. It i s a place for meetings, celebrations, communication and exchange. Its essential qualities are its scale, its generous space, its transparency and its quality of light. It provides a central function in the lighting and energy flows of the building. Light is the central f eature of the building. The skylights over the atrium which function as sun scoops let filtered light penetrate into the heart of the building and bring natural light to the different w ork s paces. The v arious b ioclimatic elements of the f aรงade also act as light f ilters and can be individually adjusted to produce a wide variety of lighting conditions. The skin of the building is designed as a deliberate dialogue between the interior and the exterior spaces. Openings are strategically placed where it i s necessary t o introduce l ight or t o have a visual connection with the exterior. Overall the ecological design philosophy adopted for the building design rests on several bioclimatic solutions of traditional architecture, especially those related to thermal inertia, building orientation, natural v entilation and cooling s ystems. These are integrated with the latest energy effi-
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Multipurpose use of atrium open to surrounding spaces