Universities are buildings for learning, so its natural that ShanghaiTech University's new building, which was designed by Moore Ruble Yudell, should highlight the material of learning itself. Though the design is for a technical university, the central building features a spiraling column of concrete that is shaped like falling sheaves of paper.
Beyond those papery columns, ShanghaiTech University's building features ample glass. The atrium at one end has a few straight columns for support, but the rest of the building is covered in a glass wall that gives it a light and airy feeling.
The section of the building that holds classrooms and office space is slightly more concealed to allow for privacy, but it still features square holes punched into the concrete to create an abstract design.
Papery University Buildings
ShanghaiTech University Features Light, Decorative Columns
Trend Themes
1. Paper-inspired Architecture - Designing buildings with concrete columns shaped like falling sheaves of paper presents an opportunity for innovative and visually striking architectural designs.
2. Glass-walled Buildings - The use of glass walls in building designs creates a light and airy atmosphere, offering a disruptive innovation opportunity for architects and construction companies to enhance natural lighting and energy efficiency.
3. Abstract Concrete Designs - Incorporating abstract designs into concrete structures, such as square holes, opens up possibilities for unique and creative architectural expressions.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - Architects can embrace paper-inspired designs, glass-walled buildings, and abstract concrete designs to offer unique and aesthetically pleasing structures in the industry.
2. Construction - Construction companies have the opportunity to adopt innovative building techniques with paper-inspired architecture, glass walls, and abstract concrete designs, resulting in visually stunning and functional projects.
3. Education - The use of unique architectural elements, such as paper-inspired designs, in university buildings can create an engaging and inspiring learning environment for students.