Mabini180 is a community hub that houses cafes, a dance studio, a co-working office, an art gallery, and other lifestyle establishments. It derives its name from its address: 180 Mabini Street. However, more than being the driving force behind its name, the location inspired its design, which H1 Architecture crafted. When H1 Architecture was tapped […]
Rudolf Steiner University: A Holistic, Nature-Centric Building for Learning
For many people, college represents a time of freedom and learning. Universities ensure this through a myriad of ways, from strong free speech policies to open spaces within the campus. Rudolf Steiner University’s new headquarters for Pedagogy and Psychology, inspired by the holistic principles of Waldorf education and its deep connection to nature, encourages students to explore and expand their minds.
The building, located in Alto da Boa Vista, São Paulo, Brazil, was designed and constructed by Biselli Katchborian Arquitetos in collaboration with various entities.
The university aimed to create a building that fosters a strong connection with nature for its students, despite the challenges posed by its location in a highly urbanized area. The limited plot of land also presented difficulties in material selection and usage.
The design takes into account a century-old mango tree, which became the focal point of the compound. The building features a U-shaped structure on the lower floors, with a rectangular upper portion stacked on top.
Referencing Organic Patterns
The Rudolf Steiner University presents itself as a hybrid of nature-centric architecture and modern building techniques. Biselli Katchborian Arquitetos chose a combination of steel and wood as a way to create the outer facade and maximize space.
The steel’s capacity to support larger volumes meant doing away with pillars on the ground floor, leaving more space for the courtyard, “designed to be inviting with minimal interference.”
An engineered wood structure fixed to the slab system supports the joinery facing the inner courtyard. The structure also doubles as integrated furniture inside the building. The metal cladding and shading devices incorporate ‘organic patterns of wood.’ “It’s a reference to wood without using the material,” shares architect Mario Biselli. The perforated facade allows for enhanced ventilation flexibility while preserving the university’s nature-centric aesthetic.
Fostering Relaxation Within Learning Spaces
Many areas of the building contain open spaces for students. The design devises areas in the two ends of the U-shaped structure for outdoor rooftop patios. There, benches and tables are placed where students can hang around in between classes, encouraging socialization.
“The Patio line, with its semi-open aesthetic, light and flexible furniture, creates a very interesting scene with the architectural concept, interacting with the grids, flooring, and metal plates of the facade,” José Machado, who worked on the furniture design of the building, said.
To highlight its open design, the building’s elevators provide a panoramic view of the courtyard. The interior design incorporates wood to shape the building’s learning environment. Each floor features six classrooms, complemented by the library, patio, and social areas. The combination of wide glass windows and wood creates a well-lit, inviting space for students throughout the building.
The Rudolf Steiner University maximizes the use of space for a holistic learning environment. It finds a way to create something nature-centric and open for its students despite its urban setting. This building abides by the principles set out by its university, and works out creative solutions for that mandate.
Related reading: Studio Infinity’s Out School Enthusiastically Engages Young Learners
Every year often brings the exciting prospect of a fresh start, and for many, that means moving into their very first apartment. While the anticipation is thrilling, the reality of setting up a new home can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with a blank canvas. So, we’ve curated a practical apartment starter kit to provide […]
A Place to Let Go, the first exhibit of Pattpiha at Vinyl on Vinyl Gallery, works to capture the artist’s inner life. The exhibition adopts a chaotic, surrealistic look as a way of peering into the feelings of the author at this stage in their life. A collection of paintings, sculptures, and various artistic touches […]
Beautifully designed spaces have the power to transcend their function. They evoke emotion, spark joy, and create meaningful connections through design. These choreographed experiences engage the senses, giving rise to a distinct sense of place infused with surprise, delight, and a sense of wonder. It’s what celebrated designer Carlo Calma, Creative Director of Carlo Calma […]
The Tampipi House is a modern interpretation of Filipino design. Crafted by Carlo Calma, Creative Director of Carlo Calma Consultancy, the structure features a minimalist exterior, with the facade decked with small square cutouts—an ode to the tampipi, which is a traditional handwoven box with a lid. Calma designed this house for a small family: […]
Somewhere in France is the newest exhibition from Alliance Française de Manille in Makati City. The exhibit opened on December 12, and will be viewable to the public until January 25. Centered around the artistry of Manuel Baldemor, it showcases his perspective of the French landscape, viewed specifically from his distinctive Filipino folk style. Manuel […]
Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:
Subscribe via [email protected]