Alessandro Mendini 1, Alfredo Häberli 3, Álvaro Siza 1, Antoine et Manuel 1, Antoni Gaudí 17, Arquitectura-G 1, Cristian Zuzunaga 1, Doshi Levien 1, Eduard Samsó 1, Ettore Sottsass 3, Eugeni Quitllet 2, Färg & Blanche 1, Isabel Gamero 1, Jaime Hayon 33, Jordi Badia 1, Jordi Pérez 1, Josep Maria Jujol 1, Klas Ernflo 5, Konstantin Grcic 7, Lluís Clotet 5, Muller Van Severen 6, Oscar Tusquets 20, Otto Canalda 2, Pepe Cortés 7, Ramón Úbeda 1, Ronan Bouroullec 9, Sabine Marcelis 1, Salvador Dalí 11, Serban Ionescu 4, Stephen Burks 2, Willo Perron 1, Xavier Mañosa 1
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Centre de Congrès at Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique
Designer
Bofill Taller de Arquitectura
Location
Morocco
Inaugurated in 2017, the Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique is still relatively young. The architecture of its campus in Rabat is helping to build the identity of the university, having now completed phase one of a master plan designed by RBTA. The brief included a conference centre; a building that could host events of all different types, capacities, and participants, e.g. faculty lectures, industry conferences, and public performances. Beyond the provision of these facilities, there was a wish for the building to contribute to the overall character of the university and the quality of life on its campus.
The Centre de Congrès is located between the first and second phases of the master plan. It acts as a hinge joint, fitting together the two “arms” of the campus – an avenue of buildings and a more condensed cluster – to take people from one part to the other. Gesturing towards this sense of passage is a series of porticos along the edge of the site. Here, the same bright tiles are used for paving and cladding, then continue into the building for a natural progression from the patio to the lobby. Inside, decisions over the material treatment and furniture design have been given as much importance as the urban strategy; the idea of “total design”.
Defining the plan are two pure geometries, the circle and the square. The circle, a sweeping free-standing wall, forms a ring around the main auditorium, the square. The space between the two forms accommodates various smaller auditoria, meeting rooms, cafes and bars, circulation, and services. There is also room for seating and assembly in exterior courtyards, which enjoy views of the surrounding playing fields and planted areas. Grand arches are carved into the circular wall, such that they touch the ground at the corners of the building and remain open elsewhere. The effect is one of invitation to the Centre de Congrès, and what aims to be a dynamic, generous space for a rich combination of people and activities.
The Centre de Congrès is a key piece within the campus as it is the space that can accommodate the largest number of spectators. With a total of 1.542 seats, the main hall of the conference center is one of the most treasured gems of the campus. The building is based on a transition of layers that envelop each of the perfect geometries. From the exterior Roman wall made of taza stone, to the concrete ring, to the boxes that form the commission rooms and enclose the cube where the main hall is located. The exterior Roman wall houses three volumes that accommodate the cafeteria, the art gallery, and a small amphitheater for 300 people. The use of color is based on monochrome spaces, using white for circulation areas, green for the rooms, and Alicante red for the bathrooms. It is a project that generates many filtered, covered, and uncovered spaces, some of which house small gardens that act as climatic refuges.
The seating system has been designed by RBTA and is present in the two main rooms of the Conference center.
THE GRAND SALLE
In the green monochrome interior, 1500 RBTA theater seats, facing the stage, dialogue with the curved Stucco walls, tufted carpet and the circular plafond, creating a spectacular space for performances and conferences.
LA SALLE DE COMMISSION OF THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Through straight lines and subtle curved gestures, the architectural studio creates an effect of lightness in an ergonomic and highly comfortable object. A seat-sculpture. A compact and dynamic design with an effective visual lightness. Made from aluminium and upholstered in full-grain leather, the armchair folds automatically, and allows for the adding of accessories such as a retractable desk, an electrification system or normal or backlit numbering.
The RBTA seating system goes beyond traditional auditorium and theatre seating. Through straight lines and subtle curved gestures, the architectural studio creates an effect of lightness in an ergonomic and highly comfortable object. A seat-sculpture. A compact and dynamic design with an effective visual lightness.
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