Malopolska Science Center in Krakow

Science Center as a new institution of education and science, located on green areas in Krakow's Czyżyny district

Location:

Krakow, green areas in Czyżyny

Investor:

Marshal's Office of the Malopolska Voivodeship

Project:

HORIZONE Studio

Authors:

Dominik Darasz, Bartłomiej Kisielewski, Robert Strzeński

Co-operation:

Krystian Wawer, Michał Boryczko, Maciej Warot

Landscape architecture consultant:

Land Arch Małgorzata Tujko

Net area:

approx. 13 700 m²

Area of functions in green areas:

approx. 17 800 m²

Contest project:

2017

The topic of the international architectural contest was the development of an architectural and urban concept for the headquarters of the Malopolska Science Center – a new institution established in 2017 – in the green areas of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airport in Krakow.

According to the Investor’s establishments, the Science Center is supposed to be distinguished from other institutions, e.g. conducting educational, scientific activities or museums. MSC is not only supposed to educate, and provide information about the world around us, but also to inspire and build creativity among its visitors.

Major design decisions that shaped MSC’s form and function:

Due to the direction of the inflow of people and the location of the plot in the Aviation Cultural Park, there will be equivalent accesses to the building both from the main communication artery and from the recreational areas and the runway of the former airport,
At the intersection of the directions, the main courtyard was designed as a central point and meeting place,
Three glass atriums are the nodal points of the main functional zones of MSC,
The building’s shape was incorporated into the surrounding landscape, shaping the facility as a play of green hills,
On the side of the green areas, external activity zones are located, enriching the program of internal functions.

Good orientation in the building is ensured by the glazed main hall arranged around the courtyard and the location of three smaller atriums as central points of each MSC functional zone: exhibition, laboratory and workshop, conference and administrative zones. The principle of a centrally located hall with a distribution to three wings resembles the organization of visitor traffic in the Louvre museum.

The project assumes the possibility of entering the green roof of the building. At the roof’s highest point, there is an external terrace with a viewpoint towards the park.

Shaping the building as a bioactive hill means that its biologically active surface (the area of the hills) will exceed the current biological area (of a flat plot covered with grass). The use of a green roof will not only reduce heat gains in summer and heat losses in winter but will also reduce implementation costs.

Related services

Spatial development

We design common spaces around buildings and plan urban spaces, taking into account both functional and aesthetic aspects. We believe that modern and user-friendly landscaping, greenery and small architecture, constitute the quality of each project. We advise cities and private clients on how to arrange such space.

Modularity and prefabrication

Thanks to an approach based on modules and the use of prefabrication, it is possible to construct buildings faster and more efficiently. Choosing such a solution translates into time and cost savings. In design, we are open to new technologies and materials. We have experience in the use of CLT timber construction and prefabricated elements using timber construction.

3D modeling

This service is a key part of the design process, enabling analysis and visualization of the planned object in virtual space. We also attach great importance to working on physical models, which we use especially at the conceptual stage of the project.

BIM technology

This is an advanced tool that allows for the comprehensive management of building information throughout the entire life cycle of a building, from the design phase, through construction, to operation and maintenance. At the design stage, BIM integrates various elements of architecture, construction and installation into one central 3D model. In design, we use Autodesk Revit software, among others.

Environmental certification of buildings

For projects requiring green building consultants and multi-criteria environmental certification (LEED, BREEAM), we work with leading specialists. The so-called Integrated Design Process, promoted in green building certifications, was implemented in our office during project work as a good practice.

Sustainable design

Our emphasis is on minimizing our impact on the environment, through the use of environmentally friendly materials, energy-efficient technologies and designing with respect for nature. Our architects strive to create buildings that are friendly to the environment and their users, and our experience in this field dates back some 20 years.

Analyses of development possibilities

For clients planning to buy or sell real estate, we perform land absorption analyses, development feasibility analyses, preliminary concepts or analyses of potential risks. We also cooperate with companies performing legal analyses. We actively cooperate with clients, advising them and preparing functional-utility programs for their investments.

Malopolska Science Center in Krakow

See also project publications:

Related services

Spatial development

Modularity and prefabrication

3D modeling

BIM technology

Environmental certification of buildings

Sustainable design

Analyses of development possibilities

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