successful University campus is one that provides the desired facilities but also engages its users by providing an environment that is well serviced, easily navigated and inspirational in its handling of spatial arrangements. The campus design includes a lecture theatre, conference room, classroom facilities for approximately 930 students and offices for 146 staff this complex will need to have well defined and clear delineation of spaces serviced by generous access ways to cater for the large numbers passing through each day. The Campus has been broken-up into a complex of individual buildings linked by covered external walkways. These buildings are a combination of two (2) and three (3) storeys. To reflect the local vernacular in the architecture the Solomon Islands tradition of roof forms dominated by a prominent ridge line has been adopted. Extensive overhangs will protect window openings from rain and sun penetration as well as providing protection under cyclonic conditions.
To further improve this protection extensive metal screening will be employed and this will take the form of patterns unique to Melanesia. A porte-cochere will be provided at the main entrance to the Campus to serve as a strong visual element as well as a protected covered area for vehicular drop-offs. The underside of this roof will reflect indigenous construction framing methods. Adjacent to the main entry is the building which houses the library, lecture theatre, collaborative theatre and tutorial / learning spaces. At ground level there is also a covered outdoor space for seating and congregating before entry into the lecture theatre. This also serves to enliven the entrance to the campus. At ground level the atrium becomes both a foyer to the two most densely populated areas in the lecture theatre and cafeteria, and a space for display and student services.
By being a detached structure, it also allows access around and through the school without having to actually enter the building, which creates spaces for students to linger and engage outside the learning arena. These spaces will also be enhanced by roof cover, hard and soft landscaping and cross ventilation. The walkways that link all levels will be covered and will be accessed vertically by a small hydraulic lift. This will also ensure all points
- Project
- University of South Pacific Solomon Islands New Campus
- Location
- Honiara, Solomon Islands
- Client
- The University of the South Pacific (USP)
- Project Type
- University, Education, Institutional
- Year Completed
- Design 2018, Construction Est. ~2023