Universidade Agostinho Neto | Perkins&Will

Perkins+Will has completed Phase I of the Universidade Agostinho Neto Master Plan. Comprising the university’s core curriculum, the 330,000-squarefoot Phase I build-out includes four classroom buildings situated around a central library and plaza. Classroom buildings are designed for mathematics, chemistry, physics and computer science. The classroom buildings range from two to three stories and feature a cantilevered canopy system providing solar shading. The canopies extend between buildings, covering an elevated walkway system interconnecting the facilities within each college. In addition to screening the tropical sun, the canopy's innovative design encourages air movement around campus buildings. The library is the tallest structure on the campus, creating a focal element and identifying landmark. The library is sited upon a central plaza featuring native plantings, reflecting pools and a sunken garden. The plaza and garden serves as a gathering space as well as an outdoor reading room. Responding to the programmatic requirements of the academic faculty, Perkins+Will created visually compelling "teaching towers." These two-story masses feature seminar rooms at grade level and accommodate professor offices above. Each college also includes an auditorium, office clusters, teaching laboratories and assembly classrooms. Assembly classrooms are uniquely shaped outdoor sitting classrooms, integrated into the courtyards formed by the structures. All university buildings are designed for high technology and flexibility. State-of-the-art data and A/V connectivity are incorporated via integral chases and raceways sized to accommodate current and new technologies. A tunnel system connects to each building and accommodates mechanical utilities and telecommunications facilities.