The centre as an open and transparent arena of learning
The new concept also emphasizes the interplay between the building and its leafy setting. Furthermore, it is of a piece with campus’s interesting sightlines, the dynamic quality of its outdoor spaces and its logical footpaths. The layout of each of the OCZ’s two floors is configured according to function. The ground floor is open, transparent and inviting, and dissolves the division between the building’s interior and its green and wooded surroundings, thanks to a glass façade that reflects and offers uninterrupted views of the lawns and trees beyond. The floor provides several rooms for groupwork involving small groups; a larger, open area for independent study; and a canteen. We placed the rooms for groupwork involving larger groups and the examination rooms on the second floor. At the heart of the building is a 600-seat lecture theatre. Our setting-sensitive approach to this project and the even balance of individual study areas, groupwork spaces and lecture rooms have resulted in a design that supports the new approach to learning.