University of the Arts Student Union Building
Two main factors distinguish this design from the others. Firstly, a large glass atrium pierces through the center of the building, effectively dividing the program into two distinct parts. The large open spaces fill the front of the building, while the more private spaces are located in the rear. Considering the site is very long in proportion, it would lend itself to dark spaces. The glass atrium piercing through the structure addresses this issue by providing lighting to the innermost crevices of the building. This "shard" not only splits the building, but also acts as a connection between the two portions of program - a series of angled stairways pass up through the atrium, creating a constant narrative of movement. The second standout feature of this design is its Thin-Film PV louver envelope. The louvers are programmed to track the sun throughout the day, not only to shade the interior and minimize cooling costs, but also to absorb as much solar energy possible to help offset the mechanical costs of the building.







