An international design competition was the setting to bring life and energy to a new consolidated facility for UTFSM’s impressive Physics and Science programs.  The site was a thin slice of property that includes a dramatic cliffs edge that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and coast of Valparaiso, Chile.  The education program was laboratory heavy, and built upon experimentation, but also needed collaborative space to promote the energy of exploration and integrated learning.

 

The solution came from the 7-story vertical edge, where we created an extensive volume that seemed to hang on the cliffs edge.  Entrances were at both top and bottom, as program lifted up through the facility, always embracing the openness and impressive views.  Both building performance and sustainable principles established a respect of the site and of the learning environment it presents.

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* Work in partnership with HMCAi