University of Constantine

Notes

Niemeyer conceived of a project containing multiple forms and shapes for the different functions.

The administration building was given a vertical form contrasting the two long horizontal monolithic blocks housing the classrooms and the laboratories. The horizontal blocks, unimpeded, elevated on pillars, were constructed with the assistance of the engineer Bruno Contarini for the reinforced concrete structure. Among them, a straight block, 300 by 40 meters, houses the classrooms, while the other slightly curved one, a little longer at 350 meters, houses laboratories and research units. They also have different interior lighting; the classrooms’ natural light comes through the roof, while the laboratories have circular apertures for side lighting.

The auditorium, on the other hand, is a reinforced concrete light shell-form, resembling bird or aircraft wings, with a beam defining a central axis. This building's outstanding free forms contrast with the rigidity of the two rectangles and other cylindrical blocks based on regular geometry. Inside, the seating starts at street level and slopes below ground towards the stage.
 

Sources

Ricardo Ohtake & Roberto Segre, Oscar Niemeyer: 100 Anos, 100 Obras, Sao Paulo: Instituto Tomie Ohtake, 2007.

Udo Kultermann, Contemporary Architecture in the Arab States: Renaissance of a Region, New York: Mcgraw-Hill, 1999, p. 69.

Boussad Aiche

Jason Oddy

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