Designing a Sustainable Learning Haven: University Campus for 'Universidad Científica del Sur' in Northern Lima by Plan A - Oficina Plural de Arquitectura

The proposed university headquarters for the Universidad Científica del Sur in Northern Lima has caught the attention of the architectural world. Designed by Plan A - Oficina Plural de Arquitectura, the project aims to become a catalyst for change in the sprawling megalopolis of Lima by combining the principles of humanistic and innovative education with a commitment to the environment.

Located in the populous and humble areas of the Cono Norte, the project offers a shared space for learning, going beyond the traditional hierarchical classroom setting. The proposal includes the creation of common spaces from the entrance to the campus, with a cession of 17% of the lot in public areas that will improve the spatial quality of the neighbourhood by providing shade, benches, trees, and meeting spaces.

Upon entering the campus, visitors are greeted by a small square that brings together a cafeteria, a library, and an auditorium, all of which can be opened to the outside. A boulevard running through the campus offers a verticalized space with stairs, bleachers, and hanging squares that lead to the green roof that finishes off the plinth. The campus continues inside the tower, which features a skylight greenhouse that opens up to the roof, creating a sustainable, healthy, comfortable, educational, and integrated campus.

The building is composed of two pieces: a two-story plinth that houses the laboratories of scientific careers and a large volume of classrooms that has a central void and opens up to the Pan-American highway. This "horizontal tower" has three floors and a roof, but the plan is to add three more floors in the future. The self-supporting metal skin that covers the tower not only adds an aesthetic appeal but also serves to illuminate the facade and maintain it.

The university headquarters for the Universidad Científica del Sur is an architectural marvel that has been designed to bring change to the city and the environment. With its commitment to shared spaces and sustainability, it has the potential to become a benchmark for other educational institutions in the region.

Credits

Architects: Plan A

Area: 20300 m²

Year: 2023

Photographs: Renzo Rebagliati

Design Team: Michele Albanelli, Jorge Losada, Marta Maccaglia, Jahir Velezmoro, Akemi Cabrejos, Carlos Vasquez, Daysi La Madrid, Kelly Núñez, María José Chinguel, Fabio Rodríguez, Ana Lucía Díaz, Franco Ferraro, Joselín Cueto

Landscape: Paisaje Vivo

Structural Engineering: Equilibrio3

Consultants: Vital Ingenieros consultores

Lighting: Claudia Paz Lighting Studio

Design Leader: Akemi Cabrejos

Architecture Project Leader: Jahir Velezmoro

Design Coordinator: Carlos Vasquez

Interior Design: Daisy La Madrid

Architecture Designers: Kelly Núñez, María José Chinguel, Fabio Rodríguez, Ana Lucía Díaz, Franco Ferraro, Joselín Cueto

Visualizations: Jhunior Rodríguez

Safety: Braco Arquitectos

City: Los Olivos

Country: Peru