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Architects: Mario Cucinella Architects
- Area: 1300 m²
- Year: 2008
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Photographs:Daniele Domenicali
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Environmental Strategies: University of Nottingham, School of the Built Environment
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Construction Management: WEG, Ningbo, P.R. of China
Text description provided by the architects. The Nottingham University has opened a new campus in Ningbo, in the heart of the Chinese district of Zhijiang. The Center for Sustainable Energy Technology CSET (Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies) will be dedicated to the diffusion of sustainable technologies such as those applied to solar energy, photovoltaic or wind energy.
The building of 1,300 sqm designed by MCA hosts as well as a visitor center, research laboratories and classrooms for courses. The pavilion stands in a lawn area along a stream that runs through the campus and features a design inspired by paper lanterns and fan-shape of the Chinese tradition. The facade of the building folds drastically to create a dynamic form. The building is entirely covered with a double skin of glass with screen printed patterns that evoke historical buildings in the area and shows an aspect that turns from day to night.
The design employs various environmental strategies. A large rooftop opening brings natural light to all floors of the building simultaneously creating a flue effect to allow efficient natural ventilation, while the underfloor heating panels use geothermal energy to heat and cool the environment.
