Lokey School of Management
Tel Aviv University
The project is part of an invited competition for the design of a new building for the Faculty of Management at Tel Aviv University. The design brief called for a two-phase proposal – an initial 3,500 m2 containing different sized classrooms, offices, and an auditorium, and an additional 1,500 m2 to be added in the future consisting of extra classes and offices.
The building was designed with the intention to create an edifice that represents an innovative and updated image for the Faculty of Management at Tel Aviv University, while at the same time taking into consideration the neighboring public spaces and functional needs of the entire campus. The shape and design of the building stem from optimizing climatic and programmatic considerations, and contribute to creating an effective and sustainable structure.The planning process was undertaken using parametric design tools and through the utilization of computerized optimization processes that enabled to achieve the most effective solutions in accordance with the various design considerations and purposes. Through the use of climatic simulation tools, the building’s facades were designed in order to provide maximum efficiency in terms of minimizing radiation and maximizing sunlight.
The design language used in the design fronts, is on one hand contemporary while on the other hand corresponds with the facades of the older adjacent buildings.The final form of the building was also determined by means of climatic parametric optimization. The entire structure is covered with perforated aluminum slats, which provide significant shading for the facades in order to reduce solar gain. The rotation and depth of the louvers have been parametrically designed so that every point on the structure provides an optimal climatic response depending on their location with out compromising visibility from within the structure.
The structure revolves around an internal atrium, which serves a number of functions. As a climatic feature it acts as a solar chimney operating on a stack effect which draws warm air from the base of the building up to the top floors, naturally ventilating the spaces and passively cooling the air. As a functional feature the atrium serves as a central space containing the building’s vertical circulation all the way from the basement up to the roof terrace on the top floor. As a pivotal circulatory feature linking all the floors, the atrium functions as the building’s social spine in which the movement of people between the different spaces becomes the major event within the building. The atrium is clad with thin wooden slats arranged in simple geometric forms in order to create optimal acoustic conditions and also to emphasize the unified space running the entire height of the building. An adjacent outdoor atrium allows natural light to illuminate the internal atrium. It also shades the western facade and enables the opening of exterior balconies on every floor.
By utilizing a design approach that encompasses contextual and programmatic considerations together with climatic concerns, the proposed building underlines its public purpose in relation to its setting, while at the same time providing an efficient and sustainable structure enabling maximum functionality for its everyday activities.
Client: Tel Aviv University
Lot Area: 2,500 m2
Building Area: 5,000 m2
Phase: Concept
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