A A I – Aberdeen Architecture Institute Part 1 Project 2013 Kjersti Monsen Robert Gordon University | UK The AAI aims to inspire students and practitioners locally and internationally. This mat building is non-hierarchical creating an even emphasis on the three modes of study; studio, theory and technology. These are arranged within CLT timber boxes where the pattern of the positive and negative space changes for the change of use. People are still encouraged to meander through the boxes to create a high level of inter-disciplinary communication. The pedagogy is based around the three RIBA subjects; studio, philosophy and technology. These are physically represented in the building. Each semester a new project is chosen; and depending on the nature of the project the student will base themselves in either the studio, library or the workshop. This provides the best facilities for the project, while encouraging movement within the building forming new relationships along the way. Staff and students are mixed within these facilities to create a constant dialogue as architecture is ever progressing.The school is made of timber – a locally sourced material. CLT panels are used as these lock in and store CO2 and can be made of poor quality timber which can be sourced locally. The boxes will be expressed with glulam beams spanning between them. This creates positive and negative space – in between space. These spaces are used accordingly to their function; in the library offices are located within the boxes, while the library happens between. In the studio the boxes have been used as negative space to create large open positive studio spaces. This large studio is partially divided by boxes housing teaching staff, storage and sanitary functions. These boxes provide wall space for pin-ups and acoustic balance.Visitors are invited into an open colonnade space that related to the outdoor pavilion area. These are the two main exhibition areas which are juxtaposed to the café. Through the use of positive and negative space all the spaces flow into each other so all spaces are easily accessible. This encourages collaboration, dialogue and innovative ideas. Kjersti Monsen Tutor(s)Mr Neil Lamb