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

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 <a href="http://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index.html" target="_blank">Herzog &amp; de Meuron's</a> 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, <a href="http://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/news/natal-mae-luzia_111026.html" target="_blank">The Gymnasium project</a> will serve the Mãe Luiza neighborhood and is part of a larger plan by Centro Sócio to unite and urbanize the growing community.

Before Herzog &amp; de Meuron stepped in, Mãe Luiza's local <a href="http://inhabitat.com/the-floating-human-powered-gym/" target="_blank">recreation center</a> was a fully exposed concrete platform framed with columns and trusses. Plans for the new <a href="http://inhabitat.com/abandoned-silos-transformed-into-a-climbing-gym/" target="_blank">gymnasium</a> 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 <a href="http://inhabitat.com/andrea-von-chrismar-weaves-giant-structures-out-of-wicker/" target="_blank">elemental simplicity</a>. Aluminum panels are arranged with covered gaps in between them. These gaps allow air to circulate freely, keeping athletes cool and saving on <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-building-101-indoor-environmental-quality/" target="_blank">ventilation costs</a>. 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 <a href="http://inhabitat.com/is-it-green-concrete/" target="_blank">concrete</a> wall that mimics oceanside dunes. Variety in the grain, color, and texture of the building materials will create subtle differences throughout the complex.