LIGHTING FOR USER’S ACTIVITIES AND WAYFINDING

Lighting plays an important role in user wayfinding across what is arguably a large building. Additionally, when high circulation nodes, such as staircases and lifts, are not obstructed and can mantain clear lines of sight over different stories, it creates a light well. This helps to save on operational carbon while emphasising clear connections from inside and outside of the building to the site.

Such is exemplified below with lines of sight maintained around the lifts merging public Atrium spaces, general reception areas and privatised MMU spaces. Any plant rooms (as shown previously) do not hinder any of these lines of sight.

Strategy to maintain clear lines of sight for circulation nodes, such as these lifts

Further Analysis of introducing sunlight to task-specific spaces

Strength of Steel Lightweight Frames Economical & Environmental Benefits

Despite how the typical 4500mm max. span width is often seen as the major draw back, the internal dimensions of rooms can still be erected around said constraints. Additionally, the bearing capacity of steel lightweight frames plays to the strength of using lightweight cladding material.

From ultra-high performance concrete weighing much less than conventional concrete, to ETFE cushions having a much lighter mass than traditional curtain walling, large spans across the atrium can still be accomplished as approved by Structural Engineer Andrew Williams from BDP architects.

Due to the premise of a live client and their concerns of profitability, steel was chosen for its already-well-established use in MMU buildings. With MMU estates well versed with economies of scale with regards to sourcing, transporting, constructing and maintaining steel structures, the short-term and long-term costs is much lower than importing environmental CLT or mycelium from across the ocean.

Environmentally, as long as joints are kept dry, all members can be fully reused as their intact standardised dimensions, or recycled into smaller parts for more cradle-to-cradle opportunities.

Resolving Acoustics For User Comfort

Acoustics was certified by Adam Thomas from ARUP, with his comments highlighted in blue to change any systems that required additional insulation. As this building is filled with public walkways on all storeys, significant improvements must be made for these reasons.

Vibrations From Structure