Center for Contemporary Eco-Technologies and New Materials for UMONS

Project: Center for Contemporary Eco-Technologies and New Materials for UMONS
Architect: RESERVOIR A

Momentary association

ArtBuild Architects

Programme

The UMONS project is set within a uniquely shaped site—an open triangle bridging the city and the campus. It aims to create a versatile building, accommodating learning spaces, research facilities, and social areas.

The triangular base follows the natural terrain, ensuring a seamless transition between different urban scales, while the upper square levels rise as a strong architectural landmark. The design integrates green outdoor spaces and gathering areas, thoughtfully adapted to student life and academic collaboration.

About: The building’s placement is the result of a careful contextual analysis, with each façade responding to specific constraints. The northwest side aligns with the scale of the neighboring urban fabric, ensuring continuity with the existing residential area, while the south and east façades open toward the campus, affirming their connection to the Nimy plain.
The volumetric composition follows a principle of duality: a triangular base anchors the project within its site, fostering a harmonious relationship with its surroundings, while the upper square levels optimize spatial efficiency and readability. A ground-floor passageway invites students to move through the building, creating a seamless transition between the city and the campus.
The architecture prioritizes sustainable and contextually relevant materials. Red brick, echoing the existing campus buildings, ensures coherent integration, while metallic roofing elements lighten the perception of height. The green roof serves as a suspended garden, enhancing biodiversity and thermal comfort, reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility.