Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture"
The Digital Archive of the Achievements of Civilization is the concept of a modern underground archive designed to protect all achievements of civilization from anthropogenic and natural threats. The idea of the project is to create a "black box" of humanity, capable of surviving global cataclysms and enabling the reconstruction of civilization after a possible disaster.
Conceptual sketch and visualization of the Digital Archive of the Achievements of Civilizations in Katowice.
© Michal Swaryczewski
The archive building, located in Katowice, was designed with safety in mind and to minimize risks such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other natural disasters. The location - in addition to geological and geographic safety - also provides access to the region's advanced communications and technological infrastructure. The location in one of Poland's largest agglomerations also provides easy access to the archive's resources and support for extensive scientific research.
The architecture of the complex has been integrated into the existing urban layout, and refers to historical maps, thus restoring former pedestrian routes and improving the district's communication.
designed condition in relation to the surroundings
© Michal Swaryczewski
The above-ground part of the complex consists of five futuristic skyscrapers of different heights connected by a suspended glass link. Steel bridges span the upper floors of the buildings, allowing free movement of people and functions between the different parts of the complex. Three additional towers serve the functions of emergency power (vertical axis wind turbines), ventilation of underground data storage and communications. The underground section contains multi-level parking lots, a supercomputer and a ring-shaped digital archive.
plans of level 0 and 1st floor
© Michal Swaryczewski
Each of the skyscrapers has a glazed shaft with distinctive risers for light, data transfer, power supply and transportation of the supercomputer's cooling liquid, which is distributed in the upper elevations, providing passive cooling for the supercomputer, while in winter it is used for interior heating. The shaft, along with the open floors with terraces, create an air draft, allowing natural ventilation of the skyscrapers.
A-A cross-section and ventilation scheme of the building
© Michal Swaryczewski
In addition to its archival function, the complex offers spaces dedicated to research and scientific activities. It houses research labs, data management centers and public offices that enable research on archived materials, while allowing for the ongoing archiving of new data. The entire facility is a state-of-the-art research center supporting technological and scientific development in a safe and innovative environment.
breakdown of building functions and accessibility scheme, axonometric cross-section
© Michal Swaryczewski
The project uses advanced data protection technologies to protect against threats such as radiation, electromagnetic interference and mechanical damage. Designed for long-term data storage, the building uses reinforced concrete, barite concrete, lead coatings and alkaline water-filled pools to protect against radiation and damage. A system of seismic dampers further protects the infrastructure from earthquakes, which is crucial for the underground part of the archive.
Visualization of the Digital Archive of the Achievements of Civilization in Katowice.
© Michal Swaryczewski
The aesthetics of the complex refers to retrofuturism and the science fiction trend, emphasizing its main functions and purpose of existence. The project departs from contemporary minimalist trends, introducing dark forms that arouse controversy, but also encourage reflection.
The architectural form is designed to evoke strong emotions, to make the viewer think more deeply about the future of civilization and the role of technology in protecting it. This unique concept consciously departs from current trends, through dissimilarity inspires and asks new questions about the future of architecture and technology and their importance in the context of global challenges.
Michal SWARYCZEWSKI
Illustrations: © Author
