Category

Region

The light of the desert

The light of the desert

Category
Daylight in buildings - Region 2: Central and Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Students
Andra-Cristiana Antohe
Isabela-Maria Stoiculescu

School
Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism

Country
Romania

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We propose a gateway of relaxation the middle of the Arizona Desert, where people can enjoy the beautiful views of the sharp rocks and sandy walk sides. The light enters the building through the skylight and the glazing facades offering spectacular views, bringing the lightshow of the sun or the moon into the arena where people can observe it closely. The inside of the building is designed so the light of the surrounding place to be attracted towards captivating things that happens in the hearth of the construction. The purpose of the water is to give the whole building a sense of comfort and make it an oasis. The white finishing has been chosen to be in contrast with the desert`s undertones of red and make it a good reflective surface, keeping the temperature and UVs on a low level.The building is disposed on two stories. First story is where the most of the action is happening. There ca be found a lobby surrounded by glass where people can see the beautiful views from inside, being protected by the hot temperatures of the desert. Following is a big round arena with a circular hole in the roof which combined with the oasis of water placed in the middle of the room, capture the rays of light spreading them all over around. Behind the arena is located a gallery which can have multiple purposes, it is hidden by the natural light, the only place where the rays enter this place is besides wall which is situated at the opposite side of the bleachers. Going down the stairs situated in the lobby, you will find a pavilion carved into the stone. The pavilion is enlightened through the roof that is made of acrylic and is actually a pool that lets the shadows formed by the water and the sun be the main character. The terrace is a belview point, where people can see above the whole valley, enjoying the scenery before their eyes. This building was shaped so it can easily follow the natural stones curves and dents. We want it to blend in, using what nature has to offer and making the most out of it.