duque motta designs a masterplan for the school of economics at UDP

duque motta designs a masterplan for the school of economics at UDP
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg
all images courtesy of duque motta

architects rodrido duque motta, gabriela manzi, and rafael hevia of chilean practice duque motta AA have completed the first phase of the huechuraba campus master plan that will annexed to diego portales university in santiago. the first constructed buildings make up the school of economics and establish the four key elements that will lay the groundwork for the structures to come: the base, the bar structure, the satellite structures, and the park. the design intends to project a new image of permanence and professionalism in an otherwise academic landscape. at the same time it reflects the surrounding geography aiming to connect the structure to the setting.  controlled vegetative growth on certain facades of the buildings as well as the rooftop gardens help shade the interior and reduce the effects of direct sunlight in the summer time. small openings on all facades allow ample light inside while reducing heat gain; meanwhile a central void disseminates indirect light and provides for cross ventilation.

full campus view
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

the project begins at the base of the complex as a series of terraced platforms pierced by three courtyards that connect the various buildings to the site: the undergraduate square will connect to the future phases, the graduate square directly adjoining the park, and the access square that unites both buildings. this area contains the majority of the public program as well, including the cafeteria, the library, and the auditorium.

image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

the slender ‘bar’ structure stands as an architectural neutrality, a backdrop against which the individual masses will contrast.  the newer additions will maintain the same aesthetic and proportions, changing their bearing on site to follow the natural topography. the regularly gridded layout offers a modular flexibility for the offices and classrooms it houses. external open air corridors overlook the lower promenade and park, interrupted periodically by large square voids that provide a spatial break in the rhythmic succession of classrooms.

view from adjacent soccer field
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

juxtaposing the more neutral aesthetic of the eight story ‘bar’ structure is a free standing  unique concrete building raised off the ground creating another courtyard connected to the base. a central void defines a peripheral circulation accessing all the graduate studies program. small square window penetrations and rectangular projections contribute to its distinctively different language. as the master plan develops, a series of these structures will dot the landscape, each giving definition to the various schools.

street side – large square penetrations mark the facade of the structure
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

the last element, the park, engulfs the premises with lushly vegetated open space and a separation from the neighboring urban condition. recreational fields offer a physical and mental break from the built environment adding another layer to the academic program.

detail view
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

window detail
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

central courtyard and stair entry
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

the structure only touches ground on large columns at the corners, angled pillars, and the staircase
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

central courtyard and internal facade
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

illuminated structures
image © fernando guerra, sergio guerra | fg + sg

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project info:

architects:  rafael hevia, rodrigo duque motta, gabriela manzi
location: santa clara, huechuraba, santiago metropolitan region, chile
collaborator: catalina ventura
external collaborator: martin holmes
project area: 16,644 sqm
project year: 2013
photography: fg+sg – fernando guerra, sergio guerra
project management: unidad servicios externos udp
structures: luis soler p. & asociados
landscape: francisca saelzer
sustainability consultant: edificioverde s.a.
lighting: monica pérez & asociados
construction: bravo e izquierdo
technical inspection: inspecta s.a.