20 | LEARNING SPACES | NEWS AND CURRENT AF FAIRS
explains: “What we asked architects BDP to do was to create an environment that reflected and embodied the core values of the University. We wanted something that was modern, innovative, open and inspiring – which is exactly what we got, particularly from ‘the egg’ and the atrium.” He admits: “Before 2004 most of
our buildings looked tired and old- fashioned. That’s because they were. The Craiglockhart project was designed to change all that, to symbolise the kind of university that we aspired to be, and to create a stimulating working environment for the whole of our community, staff and students alike. Ten years on, it’s still my favourite campus.”
Forging relationships Of course, good design is not just limited to learning spaces, and it’s clear that it can make all the difference to how students interact in their residences, too. One such hall of residence is privately owned, and sits next to the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The vision behind the Bikuben Dormitory is to rethink the social environment of student life. The architects, Aarhus-based AART,
wanted to avoid the tradition of long corridors and regular floors, with lots of walls and divisions between bedroom and communal areas. So the building is instead designed on a spiral principle, with rooms situated beside common areas, and various different types of space (kitchens, workout rooms, laundries, gardens) shifting position from one storey to the next. Moreover, the kitchen and communal areas are oriented towards a central courtyard so that residents can look from one area to another. By focusing on the social
spaces, the architects sought to prevent the loneliness and lack of relationships that many students highlight as a problem. But perhaps most noticeable are the artistic features: the bespoke furniture, and the light installation by artist Viera Collaro in the lobby – the words ‘KNOWLEDGE’ and ‘PEACE’ shine in neon on the floor and ceiling of the lobby and light from the installation illuminates the dorm at night time.
The university as a destination No university is an island, and so its students aren’t islanders, either. With increasing pressure to engage with local
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THE BIKUBEN DORMITORY
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