School of Architecture at Florida International University

Architect/Engineer: BEA International Inc., Coral Gables, Fla.

Architect/Engineer: BEA International Inc., Coral Gables, Fla.

Owner: Florida International University, Miami

General Contractor: Biltmore Construction, Tampa, Fla.

Precaster: Coreslab Structures (MIAMI) Inc., Miami, Fla.

DESIGN CHALLENGE:
Create a four-building campus that projects a unique identity signifying the school’s goal of creating cutting-edge architecture. The facility should serve to generate events through programs and spatial organization. It also must meet the area’s hurricane code — and be accomplished on a low budget.

PRECAST SOLUTION:
The design for the buildings, totaling 100,000 square feet, contrasts the “sobriety” of the two wings, with an architectural precast concrete finish, by the exuberance of three colorful generators, represented by three shades of ceramic tiles. The building’s framework consists of a total-precast concrete structural system containing load-bearing panels with a sandblasted finish, double tees, beams and columns.

All programmed activities are arranged around an event-oriented central courtyard with ceramic-tile walls surrounding it. Studios and office wings are housed in the portions clad with precast panels.

The precast system, which combined structural and architectural components, helped the buildings meet the budget of $125 per square feet. The system of load-bearing panels supporting a series of double-tee slabs was used for all four buildings. In the lecture and gallery buildings, this allowed spans up to 75 feet plus inclined precast walls, offering open spaces that could be controlled acoustically.

The ceramic tiles were cast into the panels in a recessed style using an 8- by 8-inch modular layout. The tile joints, as well as all control, expansion and panel joints, were organized into a precise matrix that merged skin, structure, thermal seal and color to form one cohesive system offering multiple levels of resolution.