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Architects: Universidad Nacional de Colombia
- Area: 7226 m²
- Year: 2013
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Manufacturers: DuPont, Argos, Elstrong, Etex Colombia, Hunter Douglas, Spears, Superboard, Vidplex, Vidrio Andino
Text description provided by the architects. In 2011, the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Manizales, began the construction of this strategic infrastructure for the improvement of areas corresponding to Chemical Engineering & Chemistry laboratories. For the last 30 years this intervention of 7,226 m2 of construction, becomes the most ambitious of civil and architectural headquarters.
The realization of this project is a result of the "Campus La Nubia Master Plan", which has improved, organize and control an orderly growth, according to the actual needs and future projections of the University´s academic field and mission.
The building was designed based on a participatory design methodology; as a contemporary building, with parameters including the latest technology with excellent architectural and bioclimatic comfort features, to house and interconnect 27 laboratories, making it a promising hub for research development.
Since the initial the architectural pretension were established by the site with kindness and respect for the satisfactory environmental performance and by principles of functional organization.
By this, the conditions of solar foray, energy saving, natural ventilation and lighting, acoustic behavior and accessibility, safety and ergonomics issues of the different parts of the project; were the determining factors in its design.
The reinforced concrete structure, exposed to view, is a component of the building´s architecture; two linear internal open yards receiving natural light, provide the relation of the internal with the external environment. The building benefits from an east-west orientation, where the long facades are exposed to north-south, optimal solution to protect the building from direct sunlight using the natural light, reducing the dependence on artificial lighting. The facades are protected by a combination of micro perforated shutters designed as a surround skin, which protects the building from direct sunlight, and allows a high-impact natural ventilation system, eliminating mechanical ventilation systems in all the laboratories.
The linear diagram based on a progression of mutable spaces arranged along corridors and courtyards, gives the building a spatial clarity and readability to the processes of teaching and research, according to the operation and organization of laboratories.
The exposed technical facilities and the implementing of lightweight walls enclosures systems, give flexibility to the building for possible changes providing easy maintenance, modifications and repairs in the future.
Its electrical wiring system with shielded transmission bars allows a decrease in the volume of space up to 50%, giving flexibility to extensions and modifications while ensuring safer installation, operation and maintenance. The structured cabling system is built for 7A category networks.
Additionally the building features a modern air extraction system and a high technology in the transmission system of special gases; loudspeakers system, fire detection system and television closed circuit.
