This article focuses on the design of the University Crossing atrium at University of Massachusetts (UMASS) in Lowell, where an innovative way to bring daylight deep into the building’s north facing, four story atrium was the primary objective of the study. Using a number of physical and digital tools including Diva-for-Rhino, the design team has explored the invention of reflective building geometry to light the building’s interior atrium surfaces throughout the year. Working with Lam Partners and other contributors, the team has iteratively explored how daylight can be efficiently, yet dramatically directed down into a space despite challenges generated by planning constraints, site conditions and formal orientation. The case study documents the team’s research methodology,design strategies and technical concepts for executing the work as well as general conclusions on the benefits of the collaborative process.
This article originally appeared in a Special Issue dedicated to our Innovation Incubator Research: Vol 06.01 of the Perkins+Will Research Journal. CLICK HERE to see the whole article.
