OIII designs an innovative cluster for Design and Virtual reality, Animation film and Video gaming in Northern France

Following a competition in March 2010, the multifaceted commission for the construction of a cluster dedicated to education in digital creation in the north of France was awarded to the OIII architects (assisted by DNADN, Revier Architecture and Haver Droeze) of the Netherlands. The schools that are now the driving force behind the Supinfocom group were established by the principal, the Nord de France Chamber of Commerce, in the late 1980s. These schools offer training courses in the field of design, virtual reality, animation film and video gaming. The 18.800 m2 project is the first major complex to be realised on the newly developed site on the banks of the River Scheldt just outside Valenciennes, and is intended to bring together the companies and educational institutions that are involved in the domain of digital creation.
Although they are all under the same roof, the three different schools and businesses each have their own space within the complex. The large open central area that connects the different wings includes a centre for virtual reality, a 450-seat auditorium and top quality technical and research laboratories; it also provides an opportunity for students and young entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas, knowledge and expertise. Incorporating natural elements into the building, and opening it out into its surroundings, turns it into a connective element between the world of nature, the man-made world and the world of virtual reality.
An ingenious climate and building management system ensures that a pleasant and energy-efficient climate can be maintained inside the cluster. The green courtyards and the atria play an important role in this respect.

Sikkim Biodiversity Training Institute, India

The North Indian state Sikkim, strengthens their approach towards environmental friendly strategies. OIII Architects and Architecture BRIO have been appointed via an international tender to design the Biodiversity Training Institute of Sikkim. The building with educational and residential facilities will be characterized by green features that derive from re-using and reinterpretation of local techniques and knowledge.

Sikkim is an Indian state in the Hymalaya's in between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. The state is know for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. The landscape varies from dense green forests to the high snow covered mountains in the North.
Sikkim introduced a green mission to emphasize and cherish the magnificent nature. The Sikkimese respect their environment and are developing and studying strategies how to keep economic growth and increase of tourism in a harmonic relation with nature.

The Sikkim Biodiversity Forest Department (SBFP) initiated a series of architectural projects to set an example of how to deal with urban planning and buildings that blend with nature.
One of the projects is the Biodiversity Training Institute. The site is located near Sikkim's capital Gantok, placed on a slope it faces world third highest mountain, the Kanchenjunga. Spaces like training halls, workshop space, conference auditorium, library, research labs and residential facilities will face this wonderful view. It will become a place for education on Himalayan flora and fauna and an example environmental friendly building design.

The vision of OIII and BRIO explains development strategies by using local techniques and knowledge. The design of the building is compact with a small footprint and makes use of solar energy, local vegetation and wind. Thermal mass of the walls will be used to create moderate fluctuations in temperature. Local material like rammed earth and natural stone are chosen to create accumulating qualities of walls and floors. The divers vegetation of Sikkim will become an integral part of the building such as the vegetated roof with local plants.
A place for education, exchange of knowledge, to meet each other and an inspirational example of the Sikkimese 'green mission'.

Home of Addis Ababa, commercial bank of ethiopia

OIII architects received the ‘special Mention Daring Architecture’ in the international competition for Home of Addis Ababa, commercial bank of ethiopia. OIII’s comprehensive proposal resulted in a design which combines public and social functions with those of an internationally-operating bank. Local and international characteristics are combined into an inspiring icon.

TU-Delft, CiTG

OIII wins Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geo Sciences, TU Delft

OIII has been selected to design the expansion and renovation of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geo Sciences at the TU Delft.

CiTG

The Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geo Sciences (Dutch acronym: CiTG) is a characteristic buildings on the campus of TU Delft. In addition to receiving admiration, words such as “awkward, unclear and unfindable” have also been used to describe it. This is mainly due to ‘de Plint’ (the local name for the building’s ground floor and first floor), which serves as the connection between the building and the surrounding area.

`De plint'

By creating a new main entrance, campus bar, restaurant, terraces, shopping areas, exhibition space, lecture halls and study areas, the current Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geo Sciences will be given a more public complexion and open relation towards the central park of the campus ‘het Mekelpark’.

Structural significance

Expansion and renovation with respect for the characteristic VandenBroek and Bakema building will result in a new appearance that will both metaphorically and literally link Civil Engineering with Geo Sciences. Characteristics of the Earth’s different layers and civil constructions typify the new expression of the faculty and relates to the campus’s numerous other icons.

Light and space

Extensive glazing ensures maximum sunlight. Hi-tech craftsmanship is clearly visible in the design, for example, in the impressive framework of the new porch. By these means the building becomes part of the education and the sciences taught within it.

OIII was selected by means of a European selection procedure, based on their vision and design.

TU-Delft, CiTG

OIII architects B.V.