Yale has one of the most amazing "campuses" I've ever seen. It's a dreamy blend of traditional, gothic-inspired architecture mixed in with some of the most incredible modernist buildings in the world, all the while, being seamlessly integrated into the urban fabric. There is no discernible campus to speak of, as academic and non-academic buildings share the same blocks, although the outsize influence of the university on the city is palpable at every street corner.
Kroon Hall, completed about 10 years ago is a high-tech building designed by Hopkins and Centerbrook (the latter I had the pleasure to work with on these images). Hopkins is probably the lesser-know of the British "high-tech" firms that emerged in the late 60s and 70s, including the likes of Grimshaw, Foster and Rogers.
©2019 by Revelateur Studio
From an urban planning perspective, the building is sited in a way that integrates well with the surrounding blocks, its massing and envelope materials make it feel like it's always been there, as it hints at its gothic neighbours via interesting stone detailing.
At first glance, the only giveaway that it's a recent building is its decidedly contemporarily-shaped roof, which is covered in photovoltaic panels on the south side. In my opinion, it's a very elegant and quietly deferent design that isn't meant to stand out and scream for attention, but rather does its job and does it well. I have a lot of respect for that.
©2019 by Revelateur Studio
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