Best of Show - Spring 2010

Size: 67,000 sq. ft

The NU Architecture Hall design approach was inspired by the notions of paranoia and proxemics. It was a way of taking the good out of the bad.: In other words, even aspects of life that society may not approve of can make for some interesting design concepts. 

Paranoia was introduced through the dark washed walls, and from the initial approach of the building. It involves walking through a long stretch of woods. The closest approach involves coming up a grand set of stairs with large curved and pointed arches enveloping them. Paranoia was further emphasized through the large "oculus (eye)" of the building. The sun light would track around the building, brightly illuminating it, further giving the occupant they are being watched. 

Proxemics was introduced as a way to give the occupants a larger personal bubble. Essentially, the three foot radius" a person has would be enhanced to about a "six foot radius." This was established by providing larger spaces for the students with less students per classroom, and through the grand, open, atrium space.

The Buildings facade utilized recovered slate from the schools slate quarry that was directly adjacent to the building itself. The building as a whole was a self reflection of the quarry and the approach to it.