Herzog and de Meuron Unveil Plans for Brilliant Naturally Ventilated Mãe Luiza Gymnasium

Posted By Allison Leahy On February 6, 2012 @ 1:00 am In Air quality,Architecture,carousel showcase,gallery | No Comments

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Hot year-round temperatures and high relative humidity makes playing sports in sun-soaked Natal, Brazil a sweaty challenge. That's why local footballers are looking forward to Swiss-based architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron's ^[6] open air Gymnasium project. A simple yet state-of-the-art facility that stands in harmony with the region's hot sun, gentle wind, and frequent rain, The Gymnasium project ^[7] will serve the Mãe Luiza neighborhood and is part of a larger plan by Centro Sócio to unite and urbanize the growing community.

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Image © Herzog de Meuron

Before Herzog & de Meuron stepped in, Mãe Luiza’s local recreation center ^[9] was a fully exposed concrete platform framed with columns and trusses. Plans for the new gymnasium ^[10] expand upon this existing framework by stretching the geometry of the building upwards and outwards into a grand roof. Preserving the foundation will save on material and construction costs while ensuring that the design stays in tune with traditional architecture.

A slotted roof system evokes urban scale and elemental simplicity ^[11]. Aluminum panels are arranged with covered gaps in between them. These gaps allow air to circulate freely, keeping athletes cool and saving on ventilation costs ^[12]. Natural sunlight washes over the grounds, reducing lighting needs and energy requirements. The lattice design adds pattern and texture, but also works to keep the weather out.

The multi-sport athletic center will be wrapped in an undulating concrete ^[13] wall that mimics oceanside dunes. Variety in the grain, color, and texture of the building materials will create subtle differences throughout the complex. A continuous, uninterrupted floor space is surrounded by seating on all sides. The building also incorporates freestanding rooms for informal use and promises to become a unique pubic space ^[14] that will catalyze community activity.

The Gymnasium project will be completed in 2013, a year ahead of the FIFA World Cup ^[15], which is expected to bring hundreds of thousands of spectators to the region.

+ Herzog & de Meuron ^[6]

Via World Architecture News ^[16]

Article printed from Inhabitat – Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building: http://inhabitat.com

URL to article: http://inhabitat.com/bright-brazilian-atmosphere-flows-through-naturally-ventilated-gymnasium-by-herzog-and-de-meuron/

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[5]  : http://inhabitat.com/bright-brazilian-atmosphere-flows-through-naturally-ventilated-gymnasium-by-herzog-and-de-meuron/herzog-de-meuron-gymnasium-at-mae-luiza-brazil-1/?extend=1

[6] Herzog & de Meuron's: http://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index.html

[7] The Gymnasium project: http://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/news/natal-mae-luzia_111026.html

[8] Image: http://inhabitat.com/bright-brazilian-atmosphere-flows-through-naturally-ventilated-gymnasium-by-herzog-and-de-meuron/herzog-de-meuron-gymnasium-at-mae-luiza-brazil-2/

[9] recreation center: http://inhabitat.com/the-floating-human-powered-gym/

[10] gymnasium: http://inhabitat.com/abandoned-silos-transformed-into-a-climbing-gym/

[11] elemental simplicity: http://inhabitat.com/andrea-von-chrismar-weaves-giant-structures-out-of-wicker/

[12] ventilation costs: http://inhabitat.com/green-building-101-indoor-environmental-quality/

[13] concrete: http://inhabitat.com/is-it-green-concrete/

[14] unique pubic space: http://inhabitat.com/talking-public-space-and-urban-intervention-with-san-franciscos-rebar-studio/

[15] FIFA World Cup: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html

[16] World Architecture News : http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=18883

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