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Urban Institute

Adaptive bimetal facade system developed for a multi-use building in Oakland, CA.  

ARCHITECTURE

spring 2021  

The Urban Institute is an adaptive building that relies on new building technologies to allow it to transform depending on climactic conditions and intended use.

Located at the intersection of Clay St and 16th St in Oakland, CA, the Urban Institute acts as a multi-use public building with exhibition spaces, lecture halls, office spaces, and research centers. It features a bimetal facade system which is comprised of individual pieces of bimetal that flatten to cover more surface area when exposed to heat in the form of direct sunlight. This allows for the building to be in a constant in a state of flux, adapting to the climatic conditions of the site and adjusting its level of permeability and openness throughout the day. 

The bimetal facade system incorporates a series of wind scoops that allow for air to flow freely into the buildings exterior spaces. These wind scoops also allow for the the floor plates of the building to extend past the buildings footprint, creating balcony spaces with views to the surrounding cityscape. 

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All of the outdoor spaces including most of the circulation within the building are accessible directly from the street level. Offices and studio spaces have been arranged in such a way that they are less accessible to the public. 

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The ground floor is a gallery space fit with sliding glass walls that allow the space to be entirely open to the public, blurring the line between the building and the sidewalk.

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7:00 PM

3:30 PM

12:00 PM

Above is a technical diagram and accompanying renderings to demonstrate the material capabilities of the bimetal facade. The facade adapts to the amount of sunlight the building receives, creating more shading and cooling when the sun hits the building and opening up as it gets later in the day in order to let more light in. At night, the bimetal is at its resting position, allowing for visual permeability from the street. 

DIAGRAMS, PLANS, AND SECTIONS

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