BLOCK 39, Center for Promotion of Science by Mariusz Wrzeszcz Office

Mariusz Wrzeszcz Office from Poznan, Poland has shared with us their entry for the Block 39, Center for the Promotion of Science competition. The project was a collaborative effort of Mariusz Wrzeszcz Office with a group of students comprising Alba Labuda, Hugon Kowalski, Adam Wiercinski, and Borys Wrzeszcz, all from three different architecture faculties.

Project Description from the Architects:

A circle interrupts the rigidity and uniformity of the square grid. The fragmentation is challenged. The block 39 is an entity: a perimeter with a disk. A fluid continuum that embraces and defends the integrity of the center. It is a world apart but still a part of the bigger whole, a transition line and an interior, in contrast but not opposed to the exterior. Infiltration is vital to the accomplishment of the center. The perimeter has no beginning and no end, it gives no preference, unifies and enables the flow of movement in,around and within. The disk is the soul defined by the body. The circle enabled by the new buildings that emerge is stimulated by the constant flow into, through and within.

The center for the promotion of science – a circular segment – a piece cut of by a chord, the perimeter but already the disk, a presence that gives possibility, provokes movement, provokes thought.  Formally, it is defined by the shape, to which it shall give its essence.

“Boundaries are actually the main factor in space, just as the present, another boundary, is the main factor in time.“ - Eduardo Chillida

The pergola – the perimeter – a integral part of the center for the promotion of science brings the entire block together and invites the outside inside, into the secret garden of science.

The pergola by its size and various functions  is to bring the quarter to a human scale. While being a physical boundary the pergola retains a visual transparency that links the block with the surroundings and becomes an integral part of the outside as well as the inside.

The pergola enables a flow of movement between the various buildings that are to appear in the near future. The building lines in block 39 are compatible with those of its surroundings.

The pergola unites all the different funtions of block 39 and brings together the diferent generations that are to learn, work and play in this new environment.

The center for the promotion of science - part of the perimeter but already the disk –  plays the role of a gateway. The design provides a fissure that punctuates the building and draws the outside world into the circle. The aperture is formed in the very belly of the edifice. You enter a crevice lit by an opening in the roof. A rectangular painting of the sky opens up above you and then you continue on your path, either into the building or ahead, into the garden.

The spatial relationships inside the building are defined by the fissure as well. It divides it into two parts that converge on the first floor where one may look down through a glass opening onto the passerbyers or, once again, up onto the rectangular framing of the sky.  The functions of the building are divided into two sections, on two sides of the fissure and the movement of visitors is established around the hollow belly of the building.  

“Create around one at least a small circle where matters are arranged as one wants them to be.” - Anna Freud

See floor plans, elevations and sections in the image gallery below. All images courtesy of Mariusz Wrzeszcz Office.