hoz fontan arquitectos: the faculty of business studies, mondragon university

‘the faculty of business studies of mondragon university’ by hoz fontan arquitectos in oñati, spain all images courtesy hoz fontan arquitectos photographer: josé hevia

san sebastian-based practice hoz fontan arquitectos has sent us images of their new project, ‘the faculty of business studies of mondragon university’ in oñati, spain. comprised of four volumes, the facility is sliced with slim lightwells to define as well as illuminate the interior space.

exterior view

accommodating the educational and administrative programs are the three volumes that make up the ground and first floor. in the centre of the arrangement is the main lobby and atrium, which serves as the starting point to all areas of the school. resting on top is the fourth volume which hosts the assembly hall, library and teaching staff’s offices. providing views to both the city of oñati and the surrounding landscape, it is completely wrapped in panels of glazing.

back facade

entrance

running along side the building’s circulation space is a long strip of void that directly connects the interior with the exterior. the interstitial space generated between the volumes act as an outdoor patio, providing the students and staff with a courtyard-like space for socialization.

views of lightwell

circulation space and lightwell

main atrium

view of entrance

view of outside space

piercing through the upper floor to the ground floor plaza is a circular lightwell encompassed by criss-crossing structural columns. the ground-level facades feature an accordion-folded treatment that lends a translucent but dynamic appearance to the school.

upper level study space

(upper left) (bottom left) (right) view down the

front facade

facade detail

front plaza and parking

landscaping in the parking lot

exploded axo – layout

exploded axo – facade

project info: project directors: angel de la hoz, cristina fontan, pablo de la hoz executive project and construction management: LKS, hoz fontan arquitectos collaborators: marta porroy