WETLANDS: Danube Research Center, Ada Huja: "New roots"

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia

Project idea

The goal of the project is to revitalize Ada Huja, a former location of healing springs, which has succumbed to inhumane pollution. Through the process of landfill reclamation, we find a solution to the dangers posed by polluted soil. The wetlands will naturally form by the flooding of the Danube, and the natural vegetation of Ada Huja will help heal the contaminated land. This involves completely renovating the land, removing existing layers, and subsequently filling and covering it with new layers of soil. By opening three channels through the area, we achieve a new ambient value for the place and facilitate water circulation from the Dunavac. Through the symbiosis of plant mechanisms and architecture, we contribute to the Danube ecosystem, enabling a new way of life on the river.The master project explores the principles of forming a new typology of a microcity on the water, called "New Roots," creating spaces for visitors, leisure, exploration, education, and recreation. The Research Center is named "New Roots" because it is an elevated structure partly above the water surface and partly above the ground, allowing for probes to be lowered both into the water and into the soil. Additionally, probes will be used to verify the results of improvements in laboratories. The whole process is observed in two phases: the initial one, the river and soil recovery, and the final one, "The New Life of Ada Huja." The intention is to gradually revitalize Ada Huja, so that it may rightfully bear the significance of a culturally and historically exceptional area of great biological importance.

Project description

The position of the structure "New Roots" is protected and aids in avoiding collisions with ice brought by the Danube in winter. The elevation of the structure was a way for us to escape the current chaos on the ground, allowing visitors and employees to observe the regeneration process from a distance. The plan includes leaving cars in an underground garage at the entrance of the site and continuing on foot through the entire location or touring with smart cars. The project spans 1.3 km and the function of the entire complex can be divided into four segments. Each has its own pathways so that users do not need to interact. The project is divided into areas for visitors, administration, educational spaces for students and children, and finally laboratories with a separate sleeping block. All facilities are separated, with larger and smaller expansions, and there is movement above the facilities accessed by ramps, from which we observe the museum of landscapes. All facilities are connected to an observation deck that could also serve as a main landmark in this part of the city.

Technical information

The idea was for the entire structure to appear fluid, mimicking the play of roots. The desire was to have a constant change of supports, with main columns sloping diagonally towards the interior of the building on the main facade, and secondary supports located within the structure. The interior spaces may look like closed cubes, but they can be fully lit when needed. The roof is designed with panels equipped with mechanisms that can open and close, allowing for a roof that transforms between partially open, fully closed, or any combination of openings. As the ground gradually clears, long ramps will slowly descend as part of the project, enabling people to descend to the ground and enjoy purified nature and floating fields.