"BIVALVIA. The Diving Center" is an engineering thesis by Krzysztof Rudnicki of Gdansk University of Technology. The project won an honorable mention in the competition for the best engineering thesis at the PG Faculty of Architecture, and its supervisor was Dr. Magdalena Podwojewska. The designed building is a recreational and sports space, combining the functions of a spa and a diving center.
visualization
© Krzysztof Rudnicki
idea
Gdansk's identity has been linked to the sea for centuries, and its maritime legacy carries tales of trade, perseverance and discovery. Today, Gdansk is not only a vibrant city, but also a center for a unique adventure activity - diving.
Diving offers a unique opportunity to explore the underwater world, observe the life of the marine ecosystem and experience the feeling of weightlessness. It is an activity that allows people to explore the mysteries of the deep, uncovering secrets for centuries hidden beneath the surface. However, conditions in the Baltic Sea, pose challenges for divers. The waters are often murky, the currents unpredictable, and the cold temperatures can penetrate the skin. Despite these difficulties, the Baltic is a place with a rich history, hiding numerous shipwrecks waiting to be discovered.
axonometry
© Krzysztof Rudnicki
To overcome these challenges, countries around the world have adopted the concept of deep diving pools, offering controlled environments that mimic ideal diving conditions. These pools are often built where natural conditions are not conducive to diving. They provide a safe and controlled environment where divers can train and hone their skills before heading to open water. Equipped with modern amenities, they offer a variety of training programs, making them ideal for beginners and experienced divers alike.
The idea behind the Bivalvia project was to create a place where diving would be possible all year round, regardless of weather conditions. Bivalvia offers diving opportunities for all levels of divers, from beginners to professionals. In addition, for those who do not want to take part in diving, multi-level recreational pools have been designed, in their shape and layout imitating a coral reef, as well as a spa area. What's more, the design offers the opportunity to admire divers in the deepest pool both from the building's lobby and from a small restaurant.
graphic
© Krzysztof Rudnicki
innovative diving center
Dedicated to male and female users of all ages, the facility offers both a space for relaxation and physical activity. The uniqueness of this project lies in the use of a lowered pool bottom and a 25-meter deep pool, making it attractive to a wide range of users, including diving enthusiasts.
The project's design concept places special emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. The building was designed using mycelium, an eco-friendly building material extracted from mycelium. This is an innovative step in the direction of sustainable construction, as the material is biodegradable, weather-resistant, yet durable and environmentally friendly. The choice of this raw material demonstrates that the building not only serves a functional purpose, but also minimizes its negative impact on nature.
graphic
© Krzysztof Rudnicki
architectural "barnacles"
The designed building consists of five separate parts, the so-called "barnacles," each of which has a different function. The main entrance to the building is located on the southeast side and leads to a representative hall with a reception area. Access to this part is possible in two ways: directly from the outside to the mezzanine floor of the main hall, or by an external staircase leading down to the main part of the hall with reception.
To the east of the part that is the entrance is the restaurant part. It occupies two floors (underground and above ground) of which the upper floor forms a kind of mezzanine. The restaurant part is directly connected to the part occupying the deep-sea diving pool, which in turn is connected to the part constituting the changing rooms with sanitary facilities, as well as to the parts with the recreational pool and the sports pool. In the part of the building where the changing rooms are located, a SPA & Wellness area is designed on the underground floor, the entrance to which is possible only from the reception area.
barnacles
© Krzysztof Rudnicki
Nature and infrastructure in Gdańsk-Rudniki district
The building was planned on a plot in the Gdańsk-Rudniki district, on Litewska Street. The site, with its flat terrain, proximity to water and greenery, perfectly fits the recreational and sports character of the building. The plot also includes the development of public spaces, including a park with stone steps leading to the water, as well as a green parking lot. The parking spaces will be covered with a grassy surface, and will be accessed via a paved road. The entire space has been designed in a park-like style with rain gardens.
visualization of the swimming pool
© Krzysztof Rudnicki
With facilities like Bivalvia, Gdansk has the opportunity to become a global diving center and a model of sustainable urbanization, while at the same time bearing witness to adaptability - a characteristic that has defined the city throughout its history.
Aleksandra Skorupa
