Humanistic Approach in Científica del Sur University Campus Design

The construction of phase two of the Científica del Sur University campus building, a campus renovation and expansion project, was completed by Plan A. The project is proposed in three phases with a land area of 10.9 hectares. With a function as a campus, the design concept offered by Plan A is an amalgamation of the principle of educational innovation based on a commitment to the environment and a humanistic approach. This concept elaborates the learning process by considering the openness between classrooms and common areas of campuses and universities with cities. This idea creates a sustainable, healthy, comfortable, educational, and integrated campus.

Front view Científica del Sur University, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati

In developing this design concept, Plan A designed a central point interpreted from the classical idea of forums and squares as articulated spaces for learning and gathering. In addition, this design is expected to positively impact the social and cultural environment, promote sustainable development, and present an image of the project that is metropolitan but integrated with the immediate environment.

Front view Científica del Sur University, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati

This campus site has metropolitan accessibility from the main street of Panamericana Norte. Therefore, at the building design stage Plan A designed this building with 6 floors plus a ground basement and rooftop, consisting of accessible areas with landscaping both in the main plaza and the plaza on the third floor. On the north side, two two-story buildings function as laboratories and administrative offices. This building is built in the first phase. While on the south side, there is a semi-public area containing the main gate, auditorium, library, cafeteria, and exhibition hall. And in the middle is a main building with six levels that function as classrooms, public services, and additional laboratory rooms. The middle building and the north side are the buildings built in this second phase.

Site Plan Científica del Sur University, Source by Plan A

Section Científica del Sur University, Source by Plan A

This new building is the core building by presenting supporting programs where formal and informal education, such as libraries, canteens, auditoriums, corridors, and parks, are connected and open to each other. This openness is also supported by a boulevard on the first level that functions as a free area connecting the new building with the old building through open spaces and various parks with various species, along with the main staircase also functions as a central stand that connects vertically.

Main courtyard of the Científica del Sur University, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati

Front courtyard of the Científica del Sur University, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati

Main Steps of the Científica del Sur University, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati

Interior of Científica del Sur University's communal spaces, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati

Interior of Científica del Sur University classrooms, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati

The project stands out on one of the most important roads in the country, where the building of a tower breaks the horizontality of the road and the project, which will increase to 3 more floors according to its structural design. The tower is covered by a metal skin for maintenance and lighting of the building's façade. Thus, giving a monumental character to the streets but also being able to harmonize with the environment. This is also due to using reinforced concrete as the main structure because it can optimize space and construction processes. In the aesthetics and supporting materials section, Plan A uses local materials, the use of solar grilles and devices, natural ventilation, the use of optimized glass surfaces, the use of green roofs, large free areas with landscaping, differentiated flows between pedestrians and vehicles, promotion of bicycle use, and sustainable mobility. Creating a comfortable environment that is applied and guarantees optimal use of facilities by users and the environment.

Top view of Científica del Sur University, Photo by Renzo Rebagliati