Breath of fresh air

As demonstrated to many of us in physics class, the greater an object's surface area, the more receptive it is to external elements.

The new student accommodation building for Boston University in Sydney benefits from an abundance of sunlight and fresh air through cutouts running deep into two sides greatly increasing its surface area-to-mass ratio. Created by architect Tony Owen, the 165-bed, seven-storey structure retains the best of the original concept ideas by Silvester Fuller, the architectural firm first involved.

Tony Owen says the design responds to an infill site surrounded by dramatic heritage buildings.

"Within this tight urban context, a design was required that would optimise light penetration and passive ventilation. It also needed to reflect a dynamic presence albeit modern of its own."

The eye-catching building has more than achieved that agenda. To further improve light gain, windows in the canyons are trapezoid in shape. These are strategically angled to take in views and light, while screening out sightlines from windows opposite. The resulting sculptural effect is heightened at night, when various coloured light themes wash the variegated faces of the canyons.

The fissures culminate in walls of louvres that pull fresh air into the core of the building. Thermal currents then carry it up through a central glass-walled atrium, passively cooling the structure.

"The building responds to the environment in other ways, too," says Owen. "Laneways down both sides have been animated by shaving back the structure at pavement level to make way for sheltered gathering spaces and cafes.

"While the student hub is quite different from its neighbours, an empathetic choice of a classic brick facade and semi-traditional fenestrations on the outer walls help draw everything together visually."

Two below-ground levels contain theatres, internet lounges, administration, a connected cafe and kitchen and an auditorium. Above ground, the building's many folding facades ensure every student enjoys a view, natural light and clean air.

Story by: Charles Moxham