Designing a building with a research and teachingfunction requires, first and foremost, the creation of a flexible design - adapted to the changing reality of the university. For the designers from BDR Architekci studio, the most important thing was to adapt the building to rapid functional changes.
A mock-up of the complex on Furmańska Street
© BDR Architekci
looking for the right form
The architectural concept along with land development for the building on Furmańska Street in Warsaw was created in connection with a competition announced by SARP. The building was to serve the Faculty of Social Sciences at Warsaw University. We presented the results of the competition on our portal(See here). The design of BDR Architekci studio was primarily focused on the possibility of changing its form and adapting it to further functions - should such a need arise in the future.
Our ambition in designing the Warsaw University building was not only to create a building that meets the needs of a modern University. The new building of the faculties of social sciences must be open, user-friendly, environmentally friendly, but also friendly to transformations - both spatial and social, These assumptions are realized on many levels through appropriate shaping and selection of architectural and construction means," reads the press release.
Visualization of the building from the side of Furmańska Street
© BDR Architekci
well located
An important element of the project was the correct placement of the building in the context of its surroundings. The architects decided to move the quarter away from the border of the plot on Dobra Street, allowing the creation of a foreground connected to a dense stand of trees.
The large body of the building is broken into several smaller, stepped segments. The corners of the quarters have been gently withdrawn - emphasizing the main entrances. The segments of the quarter adjacent to Karowa Street have four stories, while those adjacent to Furmańska and Dobra Streets have three. Such a choice of shape was dictated primarily by the desire for harmony with the Mariensztat development.
visualization of the lobby
© BDR Architekci
method of connection
A multi-story walkway equipped with internal wings of the building along with courtyards was routed through all segments. The same layout was also repeated at the upper floors.
The proposed columnar structure allows full opening of the first floor of the buildings, along with arranging additional space for public functions such as social services, libraries and large teaching halls. Academic and administrative spaces have been located on subsequent floors. At the very top, space was found for green terraces.
The green terraces are an integral part of the building
© BDR Architects
minimizing the carbon footprint
It was equally important to pay attention to maximizing energy use. The turn was toward passive solutions. Segments of the building were oriented so that natural light was available for the longest possible part of the day. It was equally important to minimize heat islands by introducing greenery in the landscaping and roof terraces.
Visualization of the building from the side of Dobra Street
© BDR Architekci
