Location: Santiago, Chile Architect/Designer: ARKE Design Team: Elcin Ertugrul, Katherine L. Moya, Maria O. Maulen, Francisca Noguera, Carlos Alegria, Matias Mlynarz, Juan I. Iratchet, Joaquin E. Boldrini Structural Engineer: Apuerto Ingenieria SPA Geotechnical Engineer: Subt Year: 2017
Our shortlisted submission to this invited competition to design the corporative building of Universidad Central de Chile involved the design, coordination with other disciplines, and the production of a preliminary budget for construction and professional services related to this project.
The proposal for this 10 stories building is composed by 3 elements that responds to the specific conditions of the lot, these are (1) An historic pedestrian boulevard on the east side, (2) the shaded condition of the lot, and (3) the park towards the south of the lot. The design then responds with a three layer composition: A slim volume towards the historical context, respecting the architectural order stablished by a rigid code for this specific portion of the city. A glazed volume as an intermediate and natural light capturing element. A rythmic and modern volume housing the administrative offices which open and link to the park by a considerable amount of openings and hanging gardens.
The volume connecting the two extremes is conceived as a hub for collaborative interaction between all members of the institution. It is the main circulation for the building which also contains collaborative spaces and opportunities to contemplate the park.
The core of the building was located in the north side of the lot to keep the south facade towards the park free of major structural elements, it houses all services and major mechanical systems in a compact and efficient way. The office space is proposed as an open plan in all levels, maximizing the usable areas in order to offer the most flexible configurations to future interior designers.
The proposal includes the design of the landscape areas mediating between the building and the park and connecting with the pedestrian network produced by the historical boulevard. It is conceived as part of the hub so there's an architectural transition between the park and the building. Given the heavy traffic and lack of natural light on this area, it is treated with mostly hardscape and the introduction of native trees and plants suitable for shaded areas which extends vertically through the hub.