In Copenhagen, even before you enter the Sino Danish Center for Education & Research, you will be astonished at what you get to see – the architecture of the building. Done by Henning Larsen Architects, it’s also known as Swan building and it makes it clear how serious the intention is to make a significant Danish presence in China. The SDC, located in the GUCAS campus, reverberates a distinct visual landmark. Swan is the Danish national bird and also the Chinese see it as a symbol of ambition. The roots of the design can be traced to the traditional Scandinavian design ideals.
Student health and learning productivity are two critical pillars of the Danish education system. This building design uses the architectural framework that enables the two educational pillars. The layout ensures and encourages cross-discipline interactions. The central atrium tops this all by creating a space of energy ideal for research activities and learning. There is enough ‘common space’ to encourage social interactions, which breeds idea exchanges. This whole thing is spread out in about 2500m2. While the height never exceeds 30m, the roof hosts the residential complex. These have their own private terraces and right on top of the SDC. All the users of this building – teachers, students, visitors and so on – are treated to a perfect daylight condition and climate indoor.
Integrated Energy Design is a running theme for the SDC, conceived by Henning Larsen team and the PhD research team. A multidisciplinary team has worked together right from the start to make a very energy efficient building and a perfect indoor environment. All the innovative ideas, using the architecture as the active platform, are handled by the SDC’s own educational facility, powered by the architecture of this building.
All the above has been possible due the excellent collaboration between SDC and GUCAS campus resulting in a iconic building. While SDC brings in the involvement of students, clients and community, the GUCAS campus has added the dimension of intellect, innovation and social responsibility.
Via: Archdaily
