Enrique Browne & Associates Architects

Andronico Luksic Mining Center

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh

ANDRONICO LUKSIC MINING CENTER

Enrique Browne y Arquitectos Asociados

YEAR
2012

PHOTOGRAPHS
Nico Saieh 

CATEGORY
University, Institutional Buildings

LOCATION
Santiago, Chile

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh

It was decided to build a Mining Centre in the Engineering department of the Catholic University of Chile, in the San Joaquin Campus.

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Enrique Browne

The site faces the wide Vicuña Mackenna Avenue where the elevated metro systems runs through.

The initial assignment considered a volume of 6 floors with classrooms, professor rooms, auditorium and a small mining museum. We designed a type of constructed “rock” (option 1).

However, the solution seemed insignificant given the large size of the avenue, the powerful presence of the elevated Metro station and the tall neighbouring buildings.

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh

We thus proposed another option: that the programme filter through the annexed buildings to a below ground level.

As such, the areas above the buildings were given to the students as green spaces. Along the length there was a “crack” providing light and air to the programme.

This crack ended on a small hill that housed the museum and the larger auditorium (option 2).

This proposal was attractive given that it increased the green areas, which is exactly the issue that has humanized and given coherence to the campus. Additionally, the green cover offered approximately 25% in energy savings.

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh

However, the latter option was objected given that there was no “building” to evidence the new construction.

We thus offered a third alternative that maintained the “crack” but replaced the hill with a long building with columns as a conclusion (option 3). This solution was approved.

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Enrique Browne

Later there was a change in the authorities of the Department, which also changed the programs. Certain activities where replaced by an Auditorium and a Faculty Club. Thus, an option 4 was elaborated.

This option was also buried under ground creating a “T”, leaving visible only a copper cylinder that serves as an access and visual reference of the complex.

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh

The Centre incorporates a green roof cover and other items of energy efficiency.

The offices and classrooms walls, which are next to the earth, generate a thermal ambience of high standards, with low cooling and heating energy demands.

Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Enrique Browne
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
© Nico Saieh


Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Level -1 Floor Plan
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Level -2 Floor Plan


Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Site Plan
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Ground Floor Plan


Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Sketch Proposal 1. Image © Enrique Browne
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Sketch Proposal 2. Image © Enrique Browne
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Sketch Proposal 3. Image © Enrique Browne
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Sketch Proposal 4. Image © Enrique Browne


Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Longitudinal Section 11
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Longitudinal Section 33
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Longitudinal Section 55
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Detail Section


Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Cross Section AA
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Cross Section BB
Andronico Luksic Mining Center
Cross Section CC


Enrique Browne & Associates Architects
T +56 2 22334108
Enrique Browne & Associates Architects
Glamis 3296, Piso 4, 7550067 Las Condes, Región Metropolitana, Chile