British firm Heatherwick Studio designed a new school of design and creative space for students at Ean University in Bogotá. The studio, with offices in London and Shanghai, is known for its extravagant projects.
The new seven-story building, located in the heart of Bogotá, has already sparked both criticism and admiration. Some critics accuse the architects of flamboyance and poor taste, while others praise the project for its audacity. Either way, the future student creative hub will be hard to ignore.
The Heatherwick Studio structure will be easy to spot thanks to its distinctive facade of colorful columns and open green terraces. In designing this playful building, the architects drew inspiration from traditional woven baskets made by the Wounaan people.
Heatherwick Studio says the new building, intended as the campus centerpiece, is designed to blend organically into Bogotá’s historic center. It will be built on biophilic design principles that emphasize a close connection between people and nature. Heatherwick Studio points out that Colombia has the second-highest biodiversity in the world, and Bogotá is recognized as a leader in ecological development. So, it’s no surprise the new school will feature many local plant species.
The architects are also developing innovative facade materials to help ensure the building’s durability. These materials will reflect the intense sunlight typical of the high-altitude city.
“Creativity is very important for Bogotá,” said Eliot Postma, a leader at Heatherwick Studio. “We want students to feel proud of their campus even before they step inside the building. The public space in front of the building will become a welcoming oasis amid the bustling urban environment,” he added.
This project will mark Heatherwick Studio’s first venture in South America, as reported by Designboom. Construction is set to begin in 2025.
