UAM Campus São José dos Campos
The Faculty of Medicine at the Universidade Anhembi Morumbi (UAM) in São José dos Campos is located near one of the main road junctions in the city. The building stands on an elevated spot, which creates both isolation and ideal conditions for turning it into a new landmark in the dense urban fabric. Optimizing the topographical features, the project is firmly rooted in its position and opens itself up to the city. The intense Brazilian sun is mitigated by a fully surrounding system of vertical slabs that meets the need for shade in every façade. Choosing a regular structural system enabled KAAN Architecten to feature glass between the concrete slabs and roof beams. The concrete was moulded in situ, relying on the expertise of the local workforce, and eliminating the need for masonry.