Engineering Laboratories - Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
by Juan Pablo Ortiz Arquitectos + TALLER Architects
Client Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Award RIBA International Awards for Excellence 2024
Engineering Laboratories - a building complex that effortlessly integrates the engineering faculty into the foothills of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia.
Situated at high altitude and located in the foothills of the Andes, the building complex effortlessly integrates a retrofit of an existing late 80s brick structure with a new steel framed tower that demonstrates sustainability in technical innovation.
A contributory feature of the complex is a public atrium space that bridges the old and new structures while connecting at different levels with the surrounding typography. This communal space with its vertical gardens and bleacher seating together with the rooftop garden offers a range of social areas for the faculty, to benefit the overall wellbeing of the occupants.
The architect has focused on harnessing natural light into the workspaces with generous views out to the surrounding tropical landscape, helping to foster a connection between laboratories and forming spaces that support collaboration between the engineering departments.
Rising above the campus, the 15-storey high ‘campanile’ structure sits confidently as a marker for the university campus, signifying research and collaboration in engineering excellence. Most of the laboratories are transparent and help foster engagement and interaction between different research fields and departments.
The open-plan layout and naturally lit perimeter circulation optimises flexibility of the floorplates, accommodating future changes in spatial configuration and usage.
The architect’s priority to retrofit the existing brick building helps to benefit the site logistics while reducing embodied carbon and ultimately prolonging the lifespan of the original structure. This retained portion houses the faculty office spaces in an improved energy-efficient working environment.
The brass-coloured façade on the tower is integral to the structural tube steel frame and driven by the restricted site access, it forms part of the prefabricated method of construction. The orientation and deep modelling of the façade optimises natural light while minimising heat gain into the lab spaces. Its patinated texture and warmth glistens in the shadow of the Andes with an open crown, which screens a rooftop terrace that offers breath-taking views of the lush valley and city below.
A delicate-louvred section of the façade at mid-level houses the central air distribution system, liberating the roof space for the communal terrace. The filtered natural air provides a passive cooling system and natural ventilation for the building and its laboratories, maintaining a comfortable environment throughout the year.
The central atrium acts as the social heart of the faculty where occupants can congregate and interact while improving the acoustic and air quality. The light and airy volume is grounded by the weight of the new and existing buildings, connected by a deep-finned, glazed roof structure.
The architect demonstrates integrity, execution and innovation for a building that houses a complex programme of research and advancement in engineering while shaping the future of the university.
Location: Bogota, Colombia
Date of completion: 20/05/2020
Cost: Confidential
Gross internal area: 13500 m²
Structural Engineer: CNI Ingenieros
