Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture"
Contemporary climate change is making us think about the need to reduce invasive human intervention in the natural environment through the use of environmentally friendly industrial production models. The evolution of architectural discourse can take place through biomimetics, which adapts dependencies from the natural world to many areas of life. In turn, material engineering solutions for bioactive materials offer an opportunity to reduceCO2 emissions associated with steel and concrete production. A look at the role of material in architecture goes hand in hand with the postulates of Juhani Pallasma, who emphasized the role of the senses needed for full human interaction with the world, especially in an era of technologization of society, which has led to the alienation of the individual.
The project plot is located adjacent to the lush greenery of Kazimierz Park and Agathon Square in Warsaw's Powiśle district. An important context was the efforts of the Warsaw University authorities to expand the campus. In 1997, urban planner Jan Rutkiewicz presented a proposal to create a University District in Powisle inspired by the Parisian Latin Quarter, but the premise was not realized. Contemporary scientific and educational investments, such as the University Library, the Department of Neophilology and the Copernicus Science Center, offer a chance to return to the idea of the Latin Quarter, with Dobra Street as its backbone.
urban planning analysis
© Slawomir Szczotka
The intention of the project is based on adapting the idea of a closed-loop economy to the way of thinking about construction and the life cycle of a building. With this approach, architecture is treated as temporary, and its components can be used in various industries, eliminating the creation of non-degradable waste. Also, the design plot is treated as a reusable resource, which reduces the degradation of new green spaces.
The approach was inspired by the architecture of primitive cultures with nomadic lifestyles. Nomads created habitats that were easy to build and relocate, using available, local materials. In the case of the designed building, the focus was on environmentally friendly materials. It was decided that the main design material would be CLT, or prefabricated wood, which is characterized by high structural performance, insulation, biodegradability and the ability to be quickly assembled and dismantled.
axonometry and analysis
© Slawomir Szczotka
The form refers to the honeycomb structure, which is one of the most optimal arrangements in the natural world in terms of the ratio of material consumption to structural load-bearing capacity. The hexagonal cross-section provides ample opportunities for arranging the floor plan, and the arrangement of independent modules allows for free expansion. The southern elevation draws on the relationship between sunlight and plants, most of which require light for the process of photosynthesis, but some prefer a shaded environment, such as moss. A similar relationship exists in architecture: some rooms require exposure to natural light, while others, including technical rooms, are designed on the north side. Based on this analogy, the form of the facade was shaped with glazed modules extending in front of the face of the building, and "blind" modules housing technical rooms. This is a reference to the strong connection between architecture, nature and light.
biomimetic inspiration and expansion options
© Slawomir Szczotka
Specialized prostheses that allow amputees to feel tactile stimuli will be constructed in the building, and will also be exhibited here. In this way, the idea of symbiosis of nature and technology is also fulfilled on the level of function. The building is to become part of the Warsaw University District urban layout under construction in Powiśle. The building's program includes so-called open modules, maintaining flight corridors for birds. Exhibition spaces, spaces for scientists and industrial form designers (+1), prosthesis testing rooms (+2), and spaces for UW students (+3) have been located on the first floor. Green energy technologies make the building energy independent.
cross sections A-A and B-B
© Slawomir Szczotka
The rapprochement of architecture and nature stems from an understanding of their relationship and the need to take care to maintain symbiosis. The use of demountable architecture signals the possibility of building only for the time when the function of the building is needed. After that, the plot of land can be used differently. This approach redefines the way construction interacts with nature, and reduces its degradation and waste production, thus protecting the environment.
Slawomir SZCZOTKA
Illustrations: © Author
