Analytical and Programmatic Center for Advanced Environmentally Friendly Technologies - competition entry
The building of the Center forms a three-storey structure emerging from the escarpment. Its sharp, sloping edges create a unique interplay with the gently sloping terrain. The space between the structure and the escarpment has been filled with a delicate layer of double glass facade. In this space, functions such as the foyer, café, multifunctional main hall, and professors' club are located. The auditorium is situated in a natural depression of the terrain.
The main goal of our project was to create a building with a technological, contemporary character, offering excellent working conditions, open to nature, conducive to the development of ideas. The spatial structure of the building is based on modules and divided into five groups, corresponding to various research profiles. Gardens have been introduced between the individual blocks. Communication is located in the core connecting all floors and is based on a system of walkways. The core is distinguished by a friendly facade cladding.
All elements of the building are surrounded from the outside by a semi-transparent "skin" - a stainless steel mesh. The mesh aims to reduce heat loss associated with strong winds on the escarpment. In the summer, it shades the facade, significantly reducing energy costs for cooling the building. In the remaining facades, concrete and glass are predominantly used, materials that are durable and require minimal maintenance in the future.
The building proposes heating using a heat pump, which will also provide hot water. Electrically controlled blinds with a mirror system will be installed on the roof, providing additional sunlight in the hall space during winter and reducing solar penetration in summer. The roof surface is also planned to accommodate photovoltaic panels. Solar energy will also be used to illuminate the park by placing sets of solar panels on specially designed lampposts.
The Center building has been functionally divided into a multifunctional public hall on the ground floor with accompanying rooms, and scientific laboratory rooms with limited access from floors +2 to +3.The main entrance to the center is located in its northern part and is preceded by a intimate square with a distinctive pavement. Reception and administrative offices are located in the vicinity of the entrance. An open café, mobile changing rooms arranged as needed, operating on the principle of mobile boxes, and a space for presenting the center's achievements have been designed in the ground floor space. The main hall leads to the glazed auditorium.
A garden has been designed in the immediate vicinity of the building. In the project, we utilize the natural advantages of the existing escarpment. The garden is divided into two basic compositional zones: a lawn adjacent to the western facade of the building and a flower garden. The softly sloping lawn emphasizes the dynamic shape of the center's volume. The composition of the flower garden, formed as multi-level, multicolored squares, reflects the modular structure of the building. The paths are shaped at various heights according to the direction of the escarpment slope and the divisions inspired by the facade design. The individual levels of the garden are connected by terraced stairs and ramps. In the western part of the plot, at the level of the winter garden, a partially covered space has been provided, offering shelter on hot days. Due to the natural terrain formation, it was possible to introduce a water reservoir with flowing water and cascades in the southern part of the garden area. The garden area is separated from the surroundings by new tree and shrub plantings.