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Metu-Arge, Ankara

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A technology park located within the middle east technical university campus in Ankara-Turkey. The master plan calls for individual units to be used as research centers for the university and that can also be let to small non-profit software research companies who can benefit from the tax-exempt status of the 8000 square meter building.

In response to the Middle East Technical University’s invited competition for a project development center that is used by teachers, students, and private companies, GAD imagined an open-plan building that is rich with public spaces, has low operational costs and is tailored to accommodate additional wings added in the future if needed. Having considered a wide range of schemes, GAD chose to transform a modernist grid plan, which consists of two parallel floor planes at ground level and three separate floor planes located next two each other on the level above. The separate planes, connected with stairs and elevators, solve the need for an elaborate system of technical support by creating spaces between within which the mechanical aspects of the building such as the technology is housed. Low operational costs are sustained, as only two technological control areas are needed to service the upper level rather than three in more conventional floor arrangements.

Positioning office spaces on the south and east sides of the building maximizes natural light and results in the building being more energy efficient. The main entrance is on the west side of the building and the service facilities –like restrooms, stairs, elevators, fire escapes- are all located on the north side –north gets always less light- As well as the main entrance a number of smaller entrances are configured to give tenants private access to individual units.
A metal fence runs the interior circumference of the building behind which the air-conditioning ducts are concealed. This woven structure of sliding barcode-type pre-cast pendant units also provides shade from the direct glare of natural light and where necessary is denser in structure to completely block light entering the building.

The roof, which gives the building its distinctive character, is shaped to mimic the slope of the landscape: an artificial reinterpretation of the natural land formations set above ground. Where the roof rises more floors can be added creating a complex multi-leveled building that can accommodate firms of various sizes. The roof is made from recycled materials and is fitted with photovoltaic panels making the building energy efficient.

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