Aum Campus

This square-format photograph presents an architectural composition bisected horizontally by a waterline, with a grand heritage building occupying the upper half and its complete reflection filling the lower half, creating perfect bilateral symmetry about the center axis, the building is a substantial waterfront structure constructed in warm honeyed limestone that appears golden in the bright daylight like aged parchment or sun-warmed sandstone, progressing from left to right across the historic façade beginning at the left edge a projecting tower section rises three stories featuring three levels of arched window openings with white louvered shutters the tower crowned with a pergola structure and small rooftop trees, moving rightward the main façade extends in two principal levels the ground floor featuring a continuous arcade of large semicircular arched openings filled with white shuttered windows and doorways creating deep shadowed reveals, the upper level presents paired arched windows with small iron balustrades between pilasters that create vertical rhythm, above the historic stonework rises a contemporary addition a steel and glass pavilion with a flat roof projecting in cantilever supported by slender dark columns floor to ceiling glazing reflects the sky in cool blue tones creating contrast with the warm stone below, the roof terrace hosts small olive trees visible against the sky, the sky itself occupies approximately one quarter of the upper image area presenting clear cerulean blue deepening toward the top, below the waterline the entire composition mirrors itself in still harbor water the reflection rendered in slightly darker and cooler tones with gentle rippling distortion that introduces subtle movement, large dimensional letters spelling AUM appear centered on the façade marking this as an educational institution, the overall impression suggests Mediterranean brightness cultural heritage reverently preserved and contemporary life flourishing within historic walls.

Showcasing this heritage edifice as a protagonist of design remained the main principle behind this project. The 19th century building was severely damaged during WWII and later fell into disuse. Through sensitive design interventions, the building was brought back to life with a renewed purpose. As well as restoring the historic fabric in a meticulous fashion, the overall building was rehabilitated into a university campus in order to usher the site into the current age. Its industrial character is directly reflected in the exposed services and the original structural elements.