Human-Centered Computational Building

BNIM was selected to participate in a design charrette and conceptual design study for a California-based higher education institution’s Department of Computer Science. BNIM presented three design concepts that aimed to embody the University’s vision for a new Computational Building. The design sets high-performance goals on the path to net zero carbon, energy, and water use while emphasizing human-centered design in health and wellness, research and pedagogy, operational resilience and reliability, and equity. For three concepts — Central Heart, Outside In, and Inside Out — BNIM presented a series of design solutions that emphasize human experience through authentic placemaking, flexible organization, courtyard activation, connection to nature, paradigmatic and responsive buildings, human-purposed spaces, collaboration, living lab and pedagogy, and research. The ‘Central Heart’ concept featured collaboration spaces which formed the interface between offices along the south façade and research spaces to the north, concentrating building movement and supporting a central heart of activity. The ‘Outside In’ concept included research spaces which opened up onto an exterior deck, bringing the outside in and allowing activity from the research spaces to activate the community. The ‘Inside Out’ concept featured all primary circulation with collaborative spaces pulled to the exterior.