Rafael Viñoly’s Green-Roofed Mathematical Institute at Oxford University Seeks BREEAM Excellent

<a href="http://inhabitat.com/a-golden-banana-rafael-vinolys-firstsite-arts-center-finally-opens-with-mixed-reviews/">Rafael Viñoly</a> has sent us renders of the new Mathematical Institute at Oxford University, which will have a green roof, combined heating and cooling, a self-shading facade and a series of other sustainable features that will help it achieve a targeted rating of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/luxury-hotel-in-london-plans-to-achieve-breeam-excellent-rating/">BREEAM Excellent</a>. The project is the first of several buildings that will make up the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, and it's designed to amalgamate the formerly scattered mathematical department in one central and private location that pays respect to both its environmental and its historic context.

The Mathematical Institute by Rafael Vinoly is the first building that will be built in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter of Oxford University

A dramatic staircase provides circulation

The institute is comprised of two wings connected by a single glazed volume

A giant atrium with a glazed clerestory provides plenty of natural light

Vertical louvers optimize privacy and protect against excess solar gain

The buildings will be cooled and heated using ground pumps

There are plenty of spaces that are designed to promote socializing and collaboration

This is the view of the building on Woodstock Road

It was crucial that the new building respect its historic context and Rafael Vinoly, true to form, delivered with a project that is shooting for BREEAM Excellent