Brandon Haw Architecture (BHA) has unveiled the plans for Serena del Mar, one of two “twin” buildings that will host the Universidad de Los Andes International School of Management in Cartagena, Colombia. As the first office and institutional building to be constructed as a part of a long term, two-phase master plan, the four-story building will additionally house offices for corporations and businesses to support the upcoming master plan, specifically a new hospital building for Johns Hopkins University.
Serena del Mar is designed to respond to the “local climatic conditions in the most naturally passive yet contemporary way,” explained the architect . It will feature precast concrete vertical fins to shade from the intense Caribbean sun, but will also allow for views of the surrounding landscape.
Furthermore, the twin buildings will capture northerly breezes over pools of cool water to maximize air movement. “This creates a shaded microclimate within centrally located courtyards, very much a functional interpretation of local Cartagena architecture.”
Inside, each building will feature both internal and external spaces for collaborative work, study, and socializing, with high ceilings, controlled sunlight, and framed views.
BHA is a newly established firm under British architect Brandon Haw. Haw previously spent nearly 30 years as Senior Partner at Foster + Partners, working on high-profile projects like New York City’s Hearst Tower.
Learn more about the project here.
Architects
BHALocation
Cartagena, Bolívar, ColombiaArea
179800.0 sqmProject Year
2017Photographs
Courtesy of Brandon Haw Architecture (BHA)
News via Brandon Haw Architecture (BHA).
