Atelier PRO made the design for the new build section of the Diagnostics Centre of the VU University Amsterdam. The laboratory on the side of the Van der Boechorststraat, which will comprise 21,000 m2 in the first phase, forms part of a larger, future extension on the south side of the existing VUmc complex on the side of the Boelelaan in Amsterdam.
In atelier PRO‘s design, the combination of a healing environment, sustainability and flexibility has strongly been emphasised. The building contains two atriums that function as ‘green lungs’: these are tempered outdoor climate zones with indoor gardens, surrounded by clusters of workplaces. The work locations, bordering these green lungs, can be ventilated in a natural way for a longer period of the year: the windows can be opened to let in this tempered outdoor air that is passively warmed by the sun. Up to deep inside the building, the green lung provides light, air and space, and creates a pleasant ambiance for the work locations and the staff rooms.
The discrepancy between a sustainable design and the wish to create a universal architectonical expression, has been used by atelier PRO in this design to develop an extraordinary facade. This self-shading facade consists of a succession of vertical segments made out of ceramic panels, binding particulate matter, nitrogen oxides and VOC's. The window frames are anodized in a light bronze tone and are slightly canted between the segments, depending on their positioning in the facade. Due to this, a classical play between light and shadow and between transparency and closeness is created, in an accumulation of identical elements.
BREEAM is used to check the sustainability of the design and eventually to meet the 'Excellent' standard.
