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EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS

AMERICA FOR BULGARIA CAMPUS CENTER AT THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SOFIA

INVESTOR:

"America for Bulgaria Foundation; American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA) program of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); American College of Sofia. "

CONSTRUCTOR:

еng.M.Abadjieva, еng.N.Тоnev, еng.S.Stoinova , еng.Y.Atanasov

GENERAL CONTRACTOR:

Geostroy AD

ARCHITECT:

Tom Celli/Celli-Flynn Brennan Architects & Planners, arch. Dimtcho Tilev, Tilev Architects

ADDRESS:

Sofia
INFORMATION

Reconstruction, Overhaul, Renovation and Extension of existing building of “American College Sofia”, PI # 68134.4090.440, district Mladost, Sofia

 

Project Description

 

The project undertook reconstruction of two existing buildings of the American College of Sofia – Ostrander Hall and Whitaker Auditorium, as well as building a new block and two connecting wings. Part of the project was also the adjacent landscape with its elements. The result is a contemporary educational facility in which the old buildings and the new ones are harmoniously integrated and which enhances the distinctive and authentic sense of place of the college campus.

 

Ostrander Hall

The building was thoroughly reconstructed while preserving and restoring all valuable elements with historic or artistic value. In Ostrander Hall are located the main administrative offices of the College and a representative meeting hall. The main foyer on the ground floor was reconstructed in is original height and all characteristic ceiling details were preserved. The underground floor is particularly interesting – it is home to the “Maker space” - a group of rooms with state of the art technology equipment that include robotics lab, audio-visual center, 3d printers laboratory, as well as a fab-lab workshop. Through the reconstruction of the building fully accessible environment was provided and numerous energy efficiency measure implemented without impacting the original facades.    

 

Whitaker Auditorium

The building was thoroughly reconstructed and converted into a contemporary multipurpose hall. Structural reinforcement of load bearing elements and foundations was performed because of the

increased loads. During the reconstruction the authentic frames and secondary beams were not only preserved, but also displayed in the new interior. A new telescopic tribune was installed that allows the hall to be easily transformed from an amphitheater hall to a hall with a flat floor. In the contemporary interior are integrated a number of acoustics solutions. The stage was also fully transformed – a new stage opening, main curtain, rigging systems, stage lights, sound systems and a new multimedia projection system were installed. The space below the hall contains a fitness center and the technical rooms.

 

New extension

At the ground level is located the new student canteen which has been designed as a column free space so that it can be used for different events. The second floor houses the new learning center that is home to the college library, a writing center, a computer lab, conference room. At the center of this floor is located the school cafeteria. The underground floor houses storage and service premises for the kitchen, as well as technical rooms for the whole complex.

 

Lynn & Linda Daft Open Air Theatre

Тhe adjacent landscape with its elements is renewed. New green areas, terraces, alleys, places for gathering and communication, service ramps are built in addition to the existing landscape. A new Open Air Theatre named after Lynn & Linda Daft is constructed.

 

In the project are implemented a number of innovative technical solutions: post-tensioning concrete structures to realize large span floor structures, heat recovery heat pumps with integrated hydro modules for preparation of domestic hot water, ventilation with enthalpy recuperation, displacement ventilation, BMS system, etc. The building is certified LEED GOLD by the U.S. Green Building Council.