The architecture of the Mecanoo studio for Kampus expresses the individual building blocks with variations in height to make each facade legible. The alternating positions of the accent openings in the façade work to reduce the brick mass, while the light pixel elements add relief and balance to the facades.
The buildings are horizontally divided into three distinct elements: a podium with dark profiled metal cladding, a middle section with rough textured red bricks, and a characteristic roof of Dutch houses also clad with profiled metal. The heart of the show is a unique secret garden that forms the perfect backdrop for afternoon and evening social events.
The buildings are horizontally divided into three distinct elements: a podium with dark profiled metal cladding, a middle section with rough textured red bricks, and a characteristic roof of Dutch houses also clad with profiled metal. The heart of the show is a unique secret garden that forms the perfect backdrop for afternoon and evening social events.
Description of project by Mecanoo
KAMPUS is a new neighbourhood located at the former Manchester Metropolitan University campus in the heart of the city. Utilising the qualities of the existing built structures – Victorian brick canal-side warehouses and the 1964 concrete tower – presents the opportunity to develop at the city block scale, creating new connections and a new destination. A melting pot of buildings and spaces, KAMPUS will celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of the city with respect to the historic quality of Canal Street.
Pixels and Dutch houses.
The architecture expresses the individual building blocks with variations in height to make each facade legible. The alternating positions of accentuated apertures in the facade work to reduce the scale of the brick mass while the light pixel elements add relief and balance to the facades.
The buildings are horizontally divided into three distinct elements: a podium with dark profiled metal cladding, a mid-section with rough textured red brickwork, and a roofscape characterised by Dutch houses also clad in profiled metal.
Secret garden.
The podium anchors the new build and tower elements in a consistent base while creating a defined edge to the street. A transparent plinth will provide views into a variety of independent bars, cafes, shops and restaurants that will breathe life into the scheme and create a unique sense of place.
The newly landscaped entrances provide access to KAMPUS and the interesting spaces between the buildings will draw people into the heart of the scheme; a unique ‘secret garden’ that forms the perfect backdrop for afternoon and early evening social events.
