With the new Medical Library Düsseldorf´s Heinrich-Heine-University receives a pulsating space for studying, reading, learning, inspiration and social encounter.

Exactly two years after the ground-breaking ceremony, today the medical department of Heinrich-Heine-University and the University Clinic celebrate grand opening. The design for the 38 meter high structure stacks the various functions on top of one another and is the architectural expression of a capillary system. This idea is very effectively displayed through the smooth, white skin of the façade that forms a network of organic glass shapes over the slender cube – a lively building with high identification and recognition value.

The external appearance of the solid structure reflects the library's specialist topic; it is the architectural expression of the capillary system… This dynamic is reflected in the interior design through the flowing open spatial structure.

HPP architects

Medical Library Oasis, image courtesy HPP architects

+ Architect’s statment

A place of Exchange, of Innovative Teaching and Learning and of Development

The name evokes longing and although the name Oasis is chiefly a play on words, the architecture of the new medical library of the Heinrich Heine University and the University Clinic in Dusseldorf demonstrates clear similarities with a fertile spot in the desert. Not through its form but through its concept; the brief was to design a space for enthusiastic learning; a place of exchange, of innovative teaching and learning and of development. The initial letters of these concepts in German together form  the word O.A.S.E. – oasis. In less than two and a half years of design and construction we managed to create a landmark on  the campus of university in the North Rhine Westphalian capital. The new medical library is part of the 2030 Master Plan to reorganise the 14 hectare university campus in the Wersten district of the city.

Constant expansion of the university over the past few decades led to an extremely heterogeneous appearance. New identification points are required; a lighthouse project for innovative teaching and learning, for example.

Medical Library Oasis, image courtesy HPP architects

New Points of Attraction and Identification

The Oasis is such a point of attraction; visible from a great distance, it is 38 m tall, has a very unusual façade structure and a gleaming white skin. It projects unequivocally out of its rather monotonous grey surroundings. The external appearance of the solid structure reflects the library's specialist topic; it is the architectural expression of the capillary system. This idea is further reflected in the smooth, white façade. Organically shaped glass mosaic tiles linked by glass strips spread like a network over the slender cube and lend the structure its unmistakeable shape. This dynamic is reflected in the interior design through the flowing open spatial structure. Along with the obligatory library facilities such as the reading and lending areas, work and study  rooms, a cafeteria and generous public and exhibition areas are arranged on the eight floors above ground level. The various library, study and learning rooms are stacked on top of one another and are accessed via a cylindrical lift and staircase core. The service core is diagonally opposite as are the document lounges and the toilets.

Medical Library Oasis, image courtesy HPP architects

Stacked Library Functions

The ground floor of the library has been designed as a double-height space with a suspended mezzanine floor. The café, the cafeteria counter and the large lecture theatre are directly connected to the entrance foyer that houses the information desk and the electronic library security gate. The mezzanine offers a conference space with a direct view onto the hustle and bustle of the café below through a glass wall.

The specialist medical and dental library rooms along with study rooms of various sizes are organised on levels 1 to 4. Digital whiteboards in the study rooms permit the most up-to-date interactive communication and data exchange. A specially fitted out parent-child study room is reinforces the user-friendly aspects of the concept.

Learning lounges are arranged freely in the central zones of each floor reflecting the easy transition between geometric and organic forms in keeping with our intention to make this a library to be experienced and not just used. All desks are equipped with WLAN and power sockets and half of these are additionally fitted with fixed LAN sockets.

Medical Library Oasis, image courtesy HPP architects

The centrepiece of the library is on the fourth floor – the borrowing desk – we fulfilled the University's request for a state of the art issue and return system with automatic sorting of returned books. Also on this floor are an e-learning room with 30 computer desks, another small cafeteria and offices for library staff. Whereas the lower floors are only accessible via the staircase and lifts, open internal stairways lead to the upper library floors where the bookshelves are laid out alternating with open-plan reading and working areas and separate group study rooms. In keeping with the concept as a whole, the areas become quieter and quieter as one moves upwards through the building and the atmosphere becomes ever more conducive to concentrated working.

Level 7 is, like the ground floor, a double-height storey with a suspended mezzanine level providing further individual study areas and chill out zones. The uppermost floor of the Oasis is a roof terrace that affords students clear views of the entire university campus. The basement has been designed to house the technical functions including the cloakrooms and toilets for the exhibition areas on the ground floor.

Medical Library Oasis, image courtesy HPP architects

Facade structure as Starting Point for the Interior Design

The interior design was conceived and realised together with the Silvia Pappa_UKW Innenarchitekten working group. The quality of the fittings reflects the architectural aspects of the spaces. The expressive cubature of the building, the free-flowing forms and fabric of the façade require a fitting response in the design of the interior.

The extraordinary effect of the capillary-like glazing that defines the daylight penetration levels on each floor was the starting point for the interior design; the green, cylindrical core evocative of flowing space sets the tone for the interior atmosphere. The open-plan study and work zones follow the shape of the cores which is then repeated in the waves and amoeba-like forms of the custom-built furniture. The closed, rectangular group study rooms are arranged along the façade walls. A variety of contemporary materials and surfaces such as fair-faced concrete, epoxy resin coatings, various woods, glass and plastic surfaces contribute to a harmonious and inspirational atmosphere in which to study and work. The furniture in the enclosed study rooms varies from that of the open spaces in order to achieve a different working atmosphere; lockers, seating and information areas are incorporated into wall recesses; the rounded cores are painted in green, the angular spaces in shades of lavender, watery blues and greens; tabletops in white and magenta. This, our palette defines the individuality of each level.

Facade elements Calculated to the Millimetre

The construction of the "capillary" façade required close cooperation between the architects, engineers and manufacturers.

Whereas the dimensions of the closed façade elements were dictated by the concrete structure, the radii of the window elements  were defined by their geometry and tailor-made to precise dimensions specified to the millimetre and adjusted as necessary. The sealed window units were fitted with rear-ventilated glass-ceramic panelling over 18 mm mineral insulation, in line with current energy saving regulations. The flowing transition from open to closed surfaces produces an exciting exterior, the effects of which are accentuated by the contrasting colours of the façade materials – white-enamelled glass-ceramic and green-tinted solar-control glass. Internal fabric curtains provide relief from heat and glare in the summer months.

Thermal activation units in the concrete ceiling draw excess heat away from the internal spaces and a central ventilation system in the roof distributes fresh air via the cores and through hollow flooring on each level. Induction grills in front of the windows provide tempered fresh air to each room. Ventilation is provided by crossflow ducts in the central zones which draw the used air out of the room and away through the ventilation shaft in the central service core.

Strong Identity and Recognisability

The brief called for a "beacon of inspirational teaching and learning for the Medical Faculty"; from April 2009 to July 2011 we worked to provide this with our design for this highly sophisticated specialist library. The "capillary system" chosen by the architects as the leitmotif of this project resulted in a living structure with a strong identity and recognisability – a building, every space, every corner, every detail of which will serve to inspire the students every single day The new Oasis university library has been designed to accommodate 600 to 800 students per day. The test-phase commenced a few weeks ago  and the official opening is set for October in time for the start of the 2011/2012 winter semester.

+ Project data

New O.A.S.E. Medical Library
Client: University Clinic Dusseldorf
Location: Dusseldorf, Germany
Design and Construction Time: 2009 to 2011
Official Opening: Winter semester 2011/2012
GFA: 5.055 m2
NIA: 3.033 m2
Gross Volume: 19.950 m3
Structure: In-situ concrete
Storeys above ground: 8 main floors plus 2 mezzanine floors and a roof terrace
Storeys below ground: 1
Standard storey height: 3.70 m
Clear ceiling height: 3.10 m to 3.40 m
Building depth: 22 m x 22 m
Planning Phases: HOAI 1 to 5

+ Project team

Architecture: HPP Architets, Volker Weuthen, Dusseldorf
Project Management: Christoph Ebert
Project Team: Myriam Hamdi, Stephan Heimann, Bärbel Walger, Wolfgang Miazgowski, Anja Biechele
Interior design: Working Group Silvia Pappa / UKW Innenarchitekten
Structural Engineers: Bollinger + Grohmann Ingenieure, Frankfurt a. M.
Technical Engineers: Winter Ingenieure, Dusseldorf
Acoustic / Structural Physics: Peutz Consult, Dusseldorf
Landscape Architects: W. Prechler, Dusseldorf
Lighting Engineers: AG Licht, Bonn

Astarte Suites Design Hotel is suggested place to stay in Financial Times (2007), NY Times(2010) and Conde Nast Traveler(2009), while on 2007 became member of Boutique Hotels & Resorts International, and won 3rd place as “Greece Leading Boutique Hotel” 2011 World Travel Awards.

Astarte Suites is a spectacular 9-room complex designed by Aygoustis Krousis and located on a cliff on the beautiful Santorini Island in Greece. Small, but with impeccable services, infinity pool, and unforgettable views, the hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway.

+ Architect’s statement

Magic is in the details at Astarte Suites, beginning with the twinkling Swarovski stones that adorn the ceiling above each suite's Jacuzzi pool, ending with the personalized service each guest enjoys. Surrounded by soothing shades of white and stone, guests are sure to find bliss here. During their precious down time, guests can relax and unwind next to Astarte's stunning turquoise infinity swimming pool, which overlooks the Aegean Sea's tranquil blue waters and nearby rocky cliffs. Leisure and cultural options abound nearby, such as in Akrotiri, an ancient city buried and preserved by volcanic ash-known as the Pompeii of the Greek islands-and at Red Beach and White Beach, the ultimate locales for a spectacular day of fun in the sun.

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Image courtesy Astarte Suites Hotel

Paris-based architectural firm ECDM architectes have completed the Housing in Toulouse.

Housing in Toulouse - Concept, drawing ECDM architectes

+ Architect’s statement

Our aim here was not to work against a landscape, to impose upon it a specific residential model, but rather to suggest a model of a specific setting. The houses unfold in two sinuous curves that follow the natural lie of the land ; it is the site itself that generates the design.

Housing in Toulouse, image ECDM architectes

This responsive manner of integration also means that each individual home is located in such a way as to enjoy wide-open views of the landscape beyond.

Housing in Toulouse, image ECDM architectes

Housing in Toulouse, image ECDM architectes

In effect, our aim here was to slightly de-intensify the development of the site so as to create a better quality of life, with the lower level of the project being occupied by simplex accommodation and most of the upper level being given over to duplexes. The roof terrace gardens thus blend in with the landscape.

Housing in Toulouse - Site plan, drawing ECDM architectes

Our work here was predicated upon a precise and concise architectural language, with unity of materials and finishing going together with a variety in types and sizes of housing.

Housing in Toulouse, image ECDM architectes

All the homes (even the two-room apartments) extend through the depth of the building, thus guaranteeing has good ventilation and -above all- a fine view of the valley. The relation between the accommodation and the landscape is articulated by the wide wooden terraces, which function as a sort of extension of the living-room areas ; in effect, each is a veritable living-room in its own right (measuring from 9 to 20 square metres). The ground-level areas are preserved as a single piece of landscape, providing a garden that is open to all the residents. Arbours of chestnut trees mark out the boundaries.

+ Project facts

Housing in Toulouse
Program: Residential | 48 dwellings
Client: Crédit Agricole Immobilier
Architect: ECDM architectes | www.ecdm.eu
Project manager: Kikyun KIM
Engineering: EBM, 3D Manager, SETEG
Location: Lot 3, Chemin du vallon, Pouvourville, Toulouse, France
Site Area: 13 500 m²
Built surface: 4 400m²
Cost: 5.3 M€
Completion: 2011

+ All images and drawings courtesy ECDM architectes