UNStudio Designs Green Roofed Campus for Singapore University

<a href="http://www.su.edu.sg/" target="_blank">Singapore University of Technology and Design</a> hasn't even been built yet, and won't officially open its doors for classes until 2012, but school officials and architects are already feverishly proposing ideas for its design. In fact, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/light-filled-unstudio-office-tower-in-amsterdam-complete/" target="_blank">UNStudio</a> was recently chosen from a shortlist of five firms to design the initial plot for the University's campus, which promises to be sustainably designed and feature expansive <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/green-roof" target="_blank">green roofs</a>. Anticipated to become the fourth largest in university in Singapore, the new campus is also aiming to achieve a Platinum title, which is the highest <a href="http://www.bca.gov.sg/greenmark/green_mark_buildings.html" target="_blank">BCA Green Mark</a> rating available in Singapore.

The new university will open its doors in 2012 at a temporary location while the new campus is being built. The brand new campus is expected to open by 2015.

UNStudio was selected from a shortlist of five firms to design Plot A of the new campus, which will serve as the heart of the university.

Shady walkways, overhanging terraces and abundant vegetation will provide cool places for students and faculty to meet, discuss, learn and create.

Green and sustainable design are central to the university's new curriculum and will be just as important in the design of the new campus, which is aiming for the Platinum rating of Singapore's green building program.

Green roofs, shady walkways, gardens and courtyards will provide additional outdoor space for interaction.

Ben van Berkel of UNStudio says, “The main aim of the design for the Singapore University of Technology and Design was to create a campus that celebrates both teaching and learning in an open and transparent way."

"The network of horizontal, vertical and diagonal vistas within the double quadrant organization of the campus enables professors, students and faculty members to see, meet and communicate with each other through a network of crossing points, presenting opportunities for continuous interaction and exchange.”

The site for the new university is between Singapore's principal airport and the Changi Business Park. SUTD will be the country's fourth largest university.

Preliminary considerations in the design include building orientation and depth in relation to sun and wind exposure, along with the incorporation of maximum natural ventilation and daylight to all buildings.