IN THE CENTER OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE STOOD TUBULAR STEEL.

The new investcorp building for the middle east center defines a series of spaces for the center’s renowned archive, library, and seminar programs; expanding its commitment as a vital forum of research, understanding, and open debate. The new meandering steel structure that connects the disparate buildings within the Oxford University campus uses a modern yet sensitive approach to reflect the historic structures and their surroundings. Zaha Hadid architects are responsible for the construction of this structure. Not only does it provide an additional 1,127 square meters of floor space and a new lecture theater with 117 seats, but it also doubles the space that is available for the expanding library and archive of the center, making it possible to preserve and manage its extensive and significant collections in the best possible conditions. A century-old sequoia tree is accommodated in a sensitive manner by the three-dimensional curved form of the western facade of the library reading room. On the other hand, the sinuous curve of the librarians’ offices rises towards the height of the brutalist Hilda Besse building that was constructed in 1970. The building is constructed from in-situ reinforced concrete, with the exception of the roof, which is made of glulam timber as its primary structural material. The exposed concrete structure of the building has required special attention in the design and detailing, specifically finite element analysis in the absence of expansion joints and linear lighting slots in the exposed soffit of the first floor slab. This slab is supported along its front edge by a ‘v’-shaped column, which in turn provides an expansive ground floor circulation space. The most distinguishing characteristic of the structure is its curving roof, which is encased in stainless steel. In addition to partly cantilevering over the exterior pavement, its flowing shape fills the whole of the footprint. An orthogonal pattern is used to support the steel cladding, which results in the formation of a series of straight frames that vary in dimensions according to the shape of the building (or structure). The building design incorporates subtle acoustic treatments in order to achieve high performance and environmental responsibility. This is accomplished by the use of precision-engineered bim technology on the building. Within the confines of a place that is dominated by traditional architecture, this project serves as an excellent illustration of how modern construction and architecture may be designed and accomplished. On IndiaArtnDesign.com, you may see the photographs of the new building by clicking on this link.