Kuwait University College of Life Sciences / CambridgeSeven + Gulf Consult

The College of Life Sciences is a graceful example of a building that combines programmatic requirements and response to a specific site and environmental conditions to create a unique and wholly appropriate college for the study of art and the environment. This exceptionally site-responsive building is notable for its dramatic, angular sloped façade and its cladding of striking, desert-colored, textured material. The array of diamond-shaped forms—perforated metal panels—filter natural daylight and shade the interior from the harsh sun. The color intensity of the golden structure changes with the sun’s movement throughout the day, much like the surrounding desert. The angular geometry of the panel array is echoed in the building footprint and surrounding landscape features.