Composed of seven concentric circles with different radii, an organic form clad of striated copper reminiscent of a Sonoran Desert rock formation emerges. The curves soften the sounds inside the building, making it a good place for studying and reflection. Sound waves dissipate as they wrap around the building, shielding the interior from loud outside noise. Situated in a hot and dry climate on Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, the building acts as a shading structure as most of the building floats above the ground supported by concrete columns. The building merges with the trees on site acting as an extension of the tree canopy. Weather sensors on the outside of the building monitor the temperature and level of sunlight, and like a plant, open windows and turn interior shading louvers when appropriate. The automated window system supplements the underfloor air system with natural ventilation.
