The factors that are considered to be the most essential for the design of the building and create strong concern and a willingness to research their resolution are (the logos used are also presented in the analysis plates of the study):
- THE UNIQUE CHARACTER OF THE SITE – The relationship with the city of Corfu, the access to the building both by car and on foot, the natural terrain, the proximity to the New Fortress and the orientation compose a landscape with significant constraints and opportunities.
- THE UNIVERSITY USE OF THE BUILDING – The building must meet the needs of a higher education institution in which teachers and students have distinct roles, but are linked more to the relationship of colleague than teacher-student (as would be the case, for example, in a high school or a medical school).
- THE MUSICAL CHARACTER OF USE – Also important is its special use as a building for music studies, since this determines the characteristics and the general culture of the students (high music education) and the overall style of the school. In other words, it should be pointed out:
– the specificity of the courses, which require special teaching conditions
– the existence of special practice areas for students, with a significant total surface area
– the specificity of training per instrument
– the conditions of isolation and concentration, which require a different concept of planning
– the noise grading and soundproofing requirements, which in fact re-evaluate the building programme from a different point of view
As will be pointed out below, it is this element that gives the building, the element of uniqueness. It is a university building, it is a bioclimatic building, it is a Corfu building, but above all it is a music building. - BIOCLIMATORY CONDITIONS – The correct orientation to ensure natural lighting and ventilation of the spaces and the control of shading, which contributes to the tolerable use and economy of the building’s operation, are data that cannot be overlooked in an educational building.
Also, the climatic conditions prevailing in the area with the rains and winds in winter and the temperature variations, the increased sunshine in spring and summer, create an increased need for the protection of the premises, during the operating time, by creating sheltered areas where students can live.
