The brief for a flexible office building facilitating better co-location of departments also asked for the provision of two auditoria within the training department. The synthesis of requirements resulted in a ‘ellipse’ shaped building. The aluminium-clad concrete shell structure is supported by columns anchoring it to the ground. Orientation of the two full-height glazed facades is north south. Internally exposed concrete slabs are painted white. All plant-rooms are at lower levels. The building is the first in the region to gain BREAAM certification and features a photovoltaic farm, sunscreens, sensor detectors, under-floor cooling, and ‘all air’ air conditioning.
Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture
