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ACTIU Berbegal y Formas, S.A.
Projects / Education / University of Montevideo

Montevideo, Uruguay

New educational models at the University of Montevideo

Education

Objective

In line with the global trend in the education sector, which replaces traditional classroom-centric academic buildings with learning environments that foster interaction, flexibility and a sense of community, the University of Montevideo decided to incorporate a new building that, together with the existing Faculty of Engineering, would form a single educational ecosystem.

"The client needed spaces adaptable to multiple modes of learning - individual, collaborative and social - while at the same time encouraging spontaneous meetings. In addition, a central heart was sought that would act as a 'covered university plaza', capable of hosting institutional events, lectures, fairs and informal moments of student life. The physical and visual connection between the faculties was key to fostering integration and a sense of belonging," explained Dovat Arquitectos.

Interior design becomes a catalyst for new ways of learning and interacting at the university, promoting meetings and exchange as an essential part of the educational experience.

Solution

Dovat Arquitectos' project materialises some of the most solid trends in university campus design:

Hybrid and multi-purpose spaces, through a triple height with a central staircase that, as well as being an iconic element, functions as a social and academic device, hosting, from open lectures to improvised meetings, and generating an 'inter-faculty' meeting point.

Total flexibility in classrooms, with furniture on wheels, stackable chairs and strategically distributed whiteboards, which allow the room to be configured according to the teacher's methodology or the group's dynamics, a key principle of 'active learning'.

Learning 'everywhere', thanks to a proposal that goes beyond the traditional idea of merely transitive corridors, where the circulations and intermediate spaces are conceived as productive areas, and the furniture favours both individual study and teamwork.

Natural light and well-being, with natural lighting in all the classrooms and a skylight over the triple height, which bathes the common spaces in light and reinforces comfort and the connection with the exterior.

Identity and durability, through a material palette that combines vinyls and high traffic carpets with wood and institutional colours, transmitting warmth and belonging without sacrificing resistance.

Actiu participated in the project with programmes such as the Whass chairs, which are light, resistant, stackable and ideal for transforming the classroom in seconds; and the Wing chairs, which combine design, ergonomics and sustainability in a single piece. In addition to the Dynamic and Colectiva tables, with flexible configurations that accompany group dynamics; and the Bend, versatile, mobile and perfect for informal areas; or the modular Longo Pod system, capable of generating spaces for concentration, meetings or breaks without erecting walls.

Architects/Interior designers
Dovat Architects
Location
Montevideo
Year
2025
Customer
University of Montevideo
Area
6.800 m2
Brand / Manufacturer
Actiu
Products used

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