Description

The institute is situated at the southern end of the Odense University campus on Funen Island, Denmark. In contrast to the existing (exclusively north-south orientated) long buildings on the campus, the new building switches to west-east orientation. The linear layout and lively spatial and functional expression of the volume create a poignant transition from the existing building fabric to the adjacent wooded nature reserve. The building houses facilities for doctoral candidates and students that are mainly occupied with the development of software for robots. The western wing contains offices, workshops, and laboratories for heavy-duty gear, with further offices located on the first floor. The eastern wing houses guest apartments, offices, and rooms for teamwork.

One enters the building through a tall glazed entrance situated at the western end. The double height entrance area is also used for exhibitions; an open staircase connects the ground floor with the corridor on the first floor. This 100 m long main passage forms the backbone of the building.

Walking down the main passage the visitor enjoys surprising views and constantly changing light situations. It is designed as a narrow bridge, so that much of the daylight entering through skylights reaches the ground floor. The plan layout of the different functional areas is a result of the lighting requirements of the respective spaces from relatively dark computer rooms with workstations to bright meeting and training rooms. In order to avoid long monotonous corridors a transparent space is placed centrally. On the ground floor this space accommodates a common lounge and on the first floor a library. While most spaces receive daylight only from one side, this central space is lit from both sides. Only from here is a complete view through the building possible: onto the other institutes as well as into the forest.

The façade consists of concrete elements produced with a special formwork of slightly sandblasted ash. The window frames are made of anodised aluminium. To minimise glare on the computer screens, sandblasted aluminium louvers are attached in front of the windows; for the ventilation openings below the windows the same material was used. The overall result is a very purist and elegant architecture.

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Originally published in: Hardo Braun, Dieter Grömling, Research and Technology Buildings: A Design Manual, Birkhäuser, 2005.