The Foreign Language Building (YDYO)

An Innovative University Classroom Building

The design of The Foreign Language Building (YDYO) was driven by the local need for pedestrian circulation, provision of external amenity spaces, space planning strategies, and the natural geometries of the area. The result is a morphed and weaved version of the classroom archetype, with the building opening up and expanding towards the ground.

Unlike traditional multi-storey classroom buildings, The Foreign Language Building (YDYO) features external spaces at multiple levels, creating a dynamic and interconnected environment. The building is made of reinforced concrete and clad with fiber cement panels, combining durability and aesthetics.

With a total area of 8000m2 spread over 8 floors, The Foreign Language Building (YDYO) also includes two lower 3-level annexes that flank the main building. The design team, led by Gudjon Thor Erlendsson and Özlem Akın, carefully planned the space to maximize functionality within the allowable build space.

The building's unique design allows for various interactions and functions. The mass of the building splits into two programmatic forms at lower levels, with the taller volume housing the classrooms and the lower volume accommodating support spaces. The basement is utilized as a spa/gym, providing additional amenities for the university community.

One of the key features of The Foreign Language Building (YDYO) is its integration with the surrounding land and existing buildings. The design provides access to external spaces at multiple levels, including a paved garden path, an entrance canyon, a small quiet courtyard, and even a rock climbing space. Two terraces at higher levels offer different environmental conditions depending on the time and season.

The construction of The Foreign Language Building (YDYO) began in autumn 2014 and reached practical completion in autumn 2015. The design process involved extensive research and analysis, including site analysis, development of the brief with the client, and the use of digital design methodologies for environmental analysis and acoustic design optimization.

The Foreign Language Building (YDYO) has received recognition for its outstanding design. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Architecture, Building, and Structure Design category in 2016. This prestigious award recognizes the building's exceptional expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.

Photographs of The Foreign Language Building (YDYO) are credited to Argun Tanriverdi, and the copyrights belong to Gudjon Thor Erlendsson, Özlem Akın, and Michael Young.