In August 2007, the National Environment Agency called for the design and development of an environmentally friendly, resource-efficient and secure facility in which to relocate the Upper Air Observatory (UAO). This facility is dedicated to meteorological observations of the atmosphere through daily weather balloon launches, along with weather monitoring and forecasting, and climate research.
The design concept evolved through an innovative response to both the unique facility requirements and an environmentally sensitive, sustainable solution. The design identified the two principal components of the facility being Corporate and Upper Air observations and established two interconnected annexes around a central cylindrical form. It is from this reinforced cylinder that large scale balloons can be safely inflated, affixed with instrumentation devices and then released
through an openable hatch in the rooftop, into the atmosphere. The use of both pre-cast and off-form insitu concrete, and high thermal performance glazing to the pure forms of each annex, distinguish their programmes yet combined create a common identity.
An expansive glass enclosed atrium between the two annexes serves both as a transition zone and facility for education and exhibition. An internal glass wall, screen printed with key figures through the evolution of meteorology, acts as backdrop to the atrium and separator to the main office areas. It also serves as a circulation spine leading to an internal lecture theatre and access to a landscaped rooftop for climate research instrumentation.
In August 2007, the National Environment Agency called for the design and development of an environmentally friendly, resource-efficient and secure facility in which to relocate the Upper Air Observatory (UAO). This facility is dedicated to meteorological observations of the atmosphere through daily weather balloon launches, along with weather monitoring and forecasting, and climate research.
The design concept evolved through an innovative response to both the unique facility requirements and an environmentally sensitive, sustainable solution. The design identified the two principal components of the facility being Corporate and Upper Air observations and established two interconnected annexes around a central cylindrical form. It is from this reinforced cylinder that large scale balloons can be safely inflated, affixed with instrumentation devices and then released
through an openable hatch in the rooftop, into the atmosphere. The use of both pre-cast and off-form insitu concrete, and high thermal performance glazing to the pure forms of each annex, distinguish their programmes yet combined create a common identity.
An expansive glass enclosed atrium between the two annexes serves both as a transition zone and facility for education and exhibition. An internal glass wall, screen printed with key figures through the evolution of meteorology, acts as backdrop to the atrium and separator to the main office areas. It also serves as a circulation spine leading to an internal lecture theatre and access to a landscaped rooftop for climate research instrumentation.
In August 2007, the National Environment Agency called for the design and development of an environmentally friendly, resource-efficient and secure facility in which to relocate the Upper Air Observatory (UAO). This facility is dedicated to meteorological observations of the atmosphere through daily weather balloon launches, along with weather monitoring and forecasting, and climate research.
The design concept evolved through an innovative response to both the unique facility requirements and an environmentally sensitive, sustainable solution. The design identified the two principal components of the facility being Corporate and Upper Air observations and established two interconnected annexes around a central cylindrical form. It is from this reinforced cylinder that large scale balloons can be safely inflated, affixed with instrumentation devices and then released
through an openable hatch in the rooftop, into the atmosphere. The use of both pre-cast and off-form insitu concrete, and high thermal performance glazing to the pure forms of each annex, distinguish their programmes yet combined create a common identity.
An expansive glass enclosed atrium between the two annexes serves both as a transition zone and facility for education and exhibition. An internal glass wall, screen printed with key figures through the evolution of meteorology, acts as backdrop to the atrium and separator to the main office areas. It also serves as a circulation spine leading to an internal lecture theatre and access to a landscaped rooftop for climate research instrumentation.
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