You have added a new link to your collection You have deleted a link from your collection
;
    • 16 October 2013

      Dynamic Solar Shading Marks Kolding Campus

      Kolding Campus, University of Southern Denmark, is currently rising, and the craftsmen are currently mounting the 4.2 meter high steel shutters on the facade. The complex solar shading system is made up of 1,600 perforated steel plates, which adjust to the sun and desired inflow of light.

    • The daylight changes and varies during the course of the day and year. Thus, Kolding Campus is fitted with dynamic solar shading, which adjusts to the specific climate conditions and user patterns and provides optimal daylight and a comfortable indoor climate spaces along the facade.

      The solar shading system consists of approx. 1,600 triangular shutters of perforated steel. They are mounted on the facade in a way which allows them to adjust to the changing daylight and desired inflow of light. When the shutters are closed, they lie flat along the facade, while they protrude from the facade when half-open or entirely open and provide the building with a very expressive appearance. The solar shading system is fitted with sensors which continuously measure light and heat levels and regulate the shutters mechanically by means of a small motor.

      The perforation of the huge shutters is a light, organic pattern of round holes, which provides a distinctive play in the facade on the outside as well as a dynamic play of light on the inside. The holes in the facade are designed and adapted to an opening angle of approx. 30 %. Engineers and architects have conducted analyses and calculations to establish this as the optimal opening angle in relation to the amount of light and energy let in and out of the building – while at the same time providing users with optimal views to the outside urban space.

      In the evening, the light from the inside will pour through the perforated pattern and make the facade appear more transparent. Passers-by or students on their way to or from the university will thus get an immediate sense of the interior activities of the campus. This interaction ensures a strong dialogue between the inner life of the building and the outside spectator.

      The triangular shape is a recurring motif in Kolding Campus. The building stands out as a large, isosceles triangle on the outside – and in the interior space, the triangular shape repeats its pattern in continuously changing positions up through the various floors. The triangular shape will be a landmark for both Kolding Campus and in Kolding city as a whole – and the dynamic solar shading will be a strong and recognisable motif when you approach the campus or stay by the river.

      Kolding Campus forms part of the University of Southern Denmark and will house the university’s courses in communications, design, culture and linguistics. The new campus will engage in close interaction with the existing study environment, Kolding Design School and International Business College Kolding. Kolding Campus is expected to be ready for inauguration by fall 2014 as the new semester starts.