Conceptual Design


W.H.O. Headquarters

2017 AIA Miami Florida Award

2016 AIA Miami Honor Award

Concept & Strategy

The idea competition for the World Health Organization employs a playful underground building as an environmental strategy that contrasts the existing rectangular administrative building.

The 90/10 scheme manifests the ant colony principle that 90% of its functions are contained underground while 10% are above the Earth’s surface. The proposed design responds to environmental needs- the mass of the Earth protects the majority of the new building, ensuring a more stable achievement of thermal comfort for its users. Amoeba-like sunken courtyards allow the warm light of the winter sun into the underground world for life below the surface.

 

W.H.O. Headquarters