New Buildings

The Wings

The new buildings of the Faculty of Engineering house three Departments, with the prospect of future expansion: Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE), Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (MME), and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). They cover a wide range of research fields, such as structural statics and dynamics (with a large seismic shake table and reaction wall), hydraulics, robotics, nanotechnology, computer engineering, intelligent systems, environmental research, and more. A number of the University’s research centers, which already have significant international activity, are also hosted here.

All Departmental spaces are organized in a wing system across multiple levels. These levels include most of the research laboratories, courtyards between the wings, the majority of postgraduate student spaces, teaching laboratories and other teaching areas, reception areas, Department administration offices, and faculty offices.

The spaces of the wings form a rectangular grid system of approximately 10x10m, organized so that spaces face north and south, and so that the buildings adapt to the site’s elevation difference. The repetitive grid system and interior partitions of lightweight materials facilitate long-term adjustments, a very important element for an educational building complex. The faculty offices form three distinct volumes, one for each Department. These volumes are geometrically freed to "penetrate" into the central zone of the complex, simultaneously shaping the entrances of the three Departments at the level of the main semi-open pedestrian circulation.

The Central Public Space

The central zone includes the semi-open pedestrian circulation from the belvedere to the large ramp at the southern end of the central zone. This level connects with the rooftops of the wings, making the entire complex accessible, while the entrances and reception/administrative areas of the Departments are clearly visible.

At one level below, the main covered pedestrian circulation is also included, linking all Departments through an enclosed public space. This space hosts shared functions, seminar rooms, and green areas in alternation. The central zone also accommodates the Faculty’s administrative offices, which form a distinct geometric structure characterized by wooden cladding. Additionally, auxiliary spaces for electromechanical installations and car parking areas are located in this zone.

Louvers allow shading of different areas of the central public space and venting of hot air. Beyond acting as a climate moderator, this “climo” shell also functions as an energy collector with photovoltaic panels. Alongside its bioclimatic value, the climo is expected to provide an engaging spatial experience for pedestrians. Seasonal shifts of light and shadow are anticipated to influence users’ movement and resting activities.

Materials

The complex uses fundamental materials such as exposed concrete (processed or not), steel, glass in various types and transparency levels (from clear glass to U-glass), wall, floor, and other cladding panels made of wood, natural marble, and natural or artificial granite, as well as solid or perforated aluminum, brass, and composite sheets.