ARTS FACULTY BUILDINGA dynamic building complex which expresses a contemporary image for Nottingham’s leading education and research environment. This creative and imaginative approach provides Nottingham with an innovative, distinctive and sustainable design solution that draws inspiration from the immediate environment and landscape and will set the standard for future development. The focus on quality is reflected by the attention paid to the smallest details.MATERIALSThe main body floats over a base of solid and glazed communal areas, The entrance elevation is glazed with dramatic overhangs and projections, providing solar shading and giving a dynamic and unique identity. The large side facades are formed using a lightweight metal sub-structure with insulation and metal rainscreen cladding panels. This is over-clad with western red cedar vertical louvers which articulate the building and provide an acoustic filter and solar shading to the windows to control the internal environment.The fins allow significant natural daylight into the building whilst reducing solar gain. Additionally, their spacing allows good outward visibility with less clutter to the sight line. The design has been carefully considered to follow design principles of a climatic responsive architecture and take advantage of free energy in the form of heat and light. In the warm summer months the main function of the buildings envelope is to simply moderate the daytime heating effects of the external air.LANDSCAPE STRATEGYThe layout will provide an open-courtyard arrangement of buildings centred on the main atrium and entrance and facing the newly created plaza in front of it. The edges of this dynamic front façade are aligned to lead the eye to the entrance and create the setting for the smaller scale lobby, which then opens up to the full height central atrium behind it promoting access to all areas within the complex.INTERNAL LAYOUTThe plan, wraps around in a u-shape, however, the primary ‘wings’ have been intentionally orientated approximately north-south. The u-shape creates a dynamic and eye catching entrance. By naturally wrapping around the atrium, protection is offered at peak seasonal periods. The north face is intentionally more robust, highly insulated with less glazing. As much of the ‘heat generating’ activities should be located to the north.The atrium encourages an open, interactive environment across all the departments. The central space creates an impressive welcoming environment on entry. Circulation on each floor is generous, to encourage a incidental meeting spaces for the staff and students.ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGYThe proposals encourage a truly sustainable solution that is efficient, robust & flexible. The involvement of a ‘low carbon consultant’ from the outset has ensured the environmental strategy is integrated into this scheme from its inception rather than with ‘bolt-on’ solutions. We have proposed a naturally ventilated building and key to this approach is:Employ Passive measures: Minimise Energy Use· Through orientation/building form· Thermal performance· Daylight· AirtightnessUse energy efficiently through ‘Active’ systems, including:· Intelligent lighting· Demand lead systems· Water conservation· Monitoring & control of energy usedUse efficient sources (renewables/ LZC technologies)· Biomass· Solar Thermal· Photovoltaic
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