Dutch architects MVRDV and designer Richard Hutten have completed a research facility within a courtyard at the Delft University of Technology.

Called The Why Factory, the project comprises a three-storey orange structure housing lecture halls, meeting rooms and research facilities.

Steps up the side allow it to be used as an auditorium.

Furniture surrounding this structure was designed by Hutten to allow the surrounding space to be transformed and used for research, as an exhibition space or for lectures.

The project has been awarded the LAi prize 2009.

Here's some more information from Richard Hutten:

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RICHARD HUTTEN IN COLLABORATION WITH MVRDV ARCHITECTS WON THE LAI 2009 AWARD!

The new think tank ‘The Why Factory’ at the Faculty of Architecture at the Delft University of Technology was awarded with the LAi prize 2009. The orange Tribune is designed by MVRDV, the flexible furniture by Richard Hutten. The Why Factory, an initiative of Delft University’s Faculty of Architecture and MVRDV, researches urban futures and is lead by Winy Maas.

During the opening event a series of prominent speakers will discuss the future city and Winy Maas will give his inaugural address as professor at TU Delft.

After a fire destroyed their premises, The Why Factory and the faculty of architecture of Delft University moved into the former main building of the university. An interior courtyard was created and designated as the new residence of The Why Factory. MVRDV designed the three floor tall wooden structure, containing lecture halls, meeting rooms and the premises of the research institute. An auditorium stair climbs to the top, literally putting the students on top of their teachers.

The colors of the tribune and the furniture was decided by both Richard Hutten and MVRDV.

The structure distinguishes itself by its bright orange colour which clearly identifies The Why Factory as an independent research centre within the Faculty of Architecture, Delft University of Technology. Designer Richard Hutten designed flexible furniture to allow the space around the tribune to switch function between research hall, lecture hall and exhibition space.

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