Connected

Wroclaw University of Technology, (Politechnika Wrocławska), Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław

Project idea

One possible answer to today's problems may be hybrid structures that include places to live, work, entertain, stay modern, and finally produce food in a sustainable and organic way. This provides jobs and reduces transportation. Hydroponics can be a solution to the growing problem of groundwater shortages and pesticide use. With growing and year-round production, less water, less soil, and almost zero CO2 emissions, we can prepare for the future. Such buildings can not only provide a local focal point, but also cooperate with the whole city, so their location can be strategic. Thanks to the punctures in the structure, glass connectors and arcades, the building invites people to get to know its function. The object is made of many solids and it is supposed to connect the outside with the inside and allow the interior to penetrate with each other. Not only spaces are connected, the proposal connects functions as well and uses the surrounding area.

Project description

The study area is a plot in Wrocław, on the zakładowa street, next to the Odra river. An orderly urban layout, which complements the existing housing estate with its structure, has been introduced on the plot. Inside the urban structure was introduced a river canal. It enlivens the structure and focuses on social life. At the same time, water is the first mean of transport.Another means of transport is the north-south railroad. For it, a station and a convenient connection were proposed in the structure.The hybrid building is located at the interface between the Odra river and the designated canal. Its surrounding area was supplemented with a pedestrian and bicycle bridge leading from the boulevard towards the neighboring monument - the existing elevator.
The L-shaped building faces the river and creates an inner courtyard. The building measures 105 meters, thanks to which the intensity of land use and its potential increase. The first two floors and outdoor terraces are public and open spaces with a wide functional program. Higher parts are organised as hydroponic, work and temporary stay places. Such a design allows to mix functions with the provision of all amenities.The tower is organised as residential with individually designed types of flat for single, couple or family.

Technical information

The structure of the building consists of reinforced concrete cores and wooden elements, thus creating a hybrid structure. In addition, wood is a local and ecological material. Water management is based on the use of both rainwater and water from the canal. The water cycle also takes into account fish farming as a part of hydroponics. Energy management uses the potential of renewable energy, solar, water, wind and biomass. The individually designed adaptive facade adjusts to sunlight and outside temperature, making the interior spaces comfortable. The facade is hidden behind the cornice, then it moves down. All elements are connected horizontally via some pins, when the facade is on the whole wall, the horizontal pins are sliding in, and the vertical pins are sliding out, just to put the verticals. Finally they can rotate vertical elements depending on the sun.

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