Approaching the project from entirely the wrong end, the architect designed a structure that looks like a cross between a railway station and a game lodge, with all the impersonal qualities of the first and none of the charm of the second. Very long open walkways covered with tall A-frames of thatch are the major feature. The dry autumn cold rustles through these un-walled corridors and nips at your toes like a malevolent rat. At the other end, about 200m away, is the dining room and kitchen. Scattered parallel to the walkways are a few small offices.
Bruised foreheads are a common complaint.
There are other aspects that demonstrate a lack of environmental awareness. For instance the huge buildings shed every drop of rain that falls. For an institute that teaches the crucial importance of sustainable utilisation of natural resources, this is a glaring error. That's the tip of the iceberg - dysfunctional waste disposal and inefficient power and water supply systems are additional design or construction oversights. Another mistake is that the huge impractical buildings speak of huge and careless wealth.