DKIT School of Informatics & Creative Arts

The original concept of the building was very simple - the repetition of a single structural bay (20.6m by 20.6m) square steel structural unit capable of expansion in a multi-cellular way. This concept allowed us to raise three existing bays, thus creating office accommodation over two stories and organized around three atria. Due to the cruciform column design, this was achieved without interfering with the adjoining bays.

The building's new circulation routes were aligned with the gridlines of the building which gave the overall internal planning a strong discipline. These spacious corridors are one module wide (3430mm) and two modules high and are derived from the existing building's proportions. We then introduced a large social and performance space and a wintergarden as focal points. In these spaces the existing suspended ceiling was removed in order to expose the elegant twoway spanning steel truss structure. Modification to the envelope consisted of removing only the brick panels adjacent to each column and replacing them with bespoke curtain walling. This gives a clear architectural expression to each free standing structural bay. Sustainability

Renewable energy systems employed include the Institute's wind turbine being used to create ice banks at off peak times. Windcatchers on rooflights are employed to bring natural ventilation and light into the building. An air tightness of 8.2m³/m2/hr was achieved. While this may not be impressive for a new building, it was a considerable achievement as the 45mm deflection of the roof trusses required bespoke wall to ceiling details. The building improved its energy rating from G to B1.