Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture".
Modern architecture plays a key role in the fight against climate change, as the construction sector is responsible for nearly 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. This includes the operation of buildings (28 percent) and their creation (11 percent), i.e. the production and transportation of materials, mainly cement, steel and glass.
science center, conceptual diagram
© Paulina Zięba
Urbanization in Europe, one of the main causes of deforestation, is also having a huge impact on the environment. In response to these challenges, new technologies and solutions are being developed that reduce the negative impact of architecture on the climate and promote the regeneration of ecosystems. The project presents some of these solutions, in conjunction with the adaptation of cooling towers.
Cooling towers, dominant structures of unusual shape, are part of the energy infrastructure, used to cool water in power plants and thermal power plants. Although they themselves do not emit pollutants - only steam comes out of them - they are often associated with them. In an era of coal-fired power plant closures, the project proposes to adapt cooling towers for new functions instead of demolishing them. Such measures not only protect against further deforestation, but also improve the environment and the comfort of residents.
body and construction diagrams
© Paulina Zięba
The concept of this adaptation is to create a universal solid, compatible with various cooling towers. The lump, as a separate structure, does not affect the existing self-supporting structure of the cooling tower, which is preserved and modernized. The new structure consists of cylinders - one high one constitutes the core, several lower ones are cantilevered to it. Their proportions and arrangement can be modified, allowing the form to fit different sizes of cold storage facilities and assumed functions, which can be cultural-entertainment, scientific, sports or retail.
function scheme
© Paulina Zięba
As an example, two hyperboloid cooling towers were chosen for Rybnik, a city struggling with smog. The 120-meter-high cooling towers, belonging to a still-active coal-fired power plant, were adapted into a Science Center.
land development
© Paulina Zięba
Chlodnia A is dominated by museum spaces, and Chlodnia B by laboratory spaces. Both buildings also house associated functions, such as underground parking, an auditorium, a library, conference rooms, administrative space and a catering establishment. All these functions are arranged in cantilevered sections, while the core of the structure contains communication risers and technical and storage spaces. A viewing point is provided on the top floor.
Refrigerated Warehouse A, cross-section
© Paulina Zięba
The area around the cold storage facility, with an area of more than 135,000 square meters, was designed as a recreational and leisure space. The paths were made of ecological concrete containing titanium oxide, which has air-purifying and self-cleaning properties.
diagram of the site concept
© Paulina Zięba
The largest part of the area is occupied by greenery, both existing and designed using the Miyawaki method, which promotes faster growth of seedlings and biodiversity. The area will also include event venues, a skatepark, playgrounds and two artificial water reservoirs to diversify the ecosystem, while recreational mounds will be created from soil obtained during construction.
site design diagrams
© Paulina Zięba
The multifunctional space promotes both environmental regeneration and resident activity. The project uses innovative ecological solutions. Reinforced geopolymer concrete, made from fly ash, a waste product from coal-fired power plants, was used in the construction, with its production emitting much less CO₂ than traditional concrete, and it is more durable. Photocatalytic paint was used on the facades and interiors, which purifies the air and has self-cleaning and thermal insulation properties. Glazing is made of quantum-coated photovoltaic glazing that generates electricity.
entrance area
© Paulina Zięba
Ventilation is based on the chimney effect, which additionally drives a wind turbine. The facilities are equipped with heat pumps, a rainwater harvesting system and electric vehicle charging stations. The shells of the coolers are covered with algae photobioreactors, which absorb CO₂ and produce biomass.
The project demonstrates the potential of architecture as a tool to combat climate change through the use of modern technologies and the adaptation of existing structures, especially industrial ones such as cooling towers. Underappreciated and often associated with pollution, they can transform themselves into environmentally friendly spaces and become symbols of regeneration and sustainability.
ecological solutions
© Paulina Zięba
Paulina ZIEBA
Illustrations: © Author
