A pavilion project for nature researchers has been located in the heart of the Zygmuntówka quarry in the Holy Cross Mountains. The {tag:studenci} of Wydział Architektury Politechniki Warszawskiej based the project on the Japanese philosophy of "Ma".
The concept of "Ma" means "space between" understood physically and conceptually. This concept emphasizes the importance of emptiness as a compositional element and the harmony between emptiness, boundary and its absence.
visualization
designed by Aleksandra Dabrowska
The sign (kanji) "Ma" consists of two elements: (mon) - gate and (hi) - sun. Together they form an image of light penetrating through a gap in the gate - symbolizing the space between things.
-explains the author.
architecture integrated with space
She saw an analogy to the concept of "Ma" in the process of quarrying. It is the uncovering of successive layers that allows for deeper and more accurate knowledge.
situation
proj.: Aleksandra Dabrowska
The emptiness in the earth's surface was created as a result of the extraction of raw material, the desire to learn about it and use it for specific purposes. This void creates a compositional element of the whole space, "draws" the boundary between what was originally - naturally, and what was created - changed by human interference
-adds the author.
The project involves the superstructure of the naturally occurring ground level. The pavilion relates directly to the layers of the quarry - it consists of three floors. The function of each of them is an analogy of the stages of raw material extraction - from the outer layers, to those hidden deepest.
cross-section
designed by Aleksandra Dąbrowska
The innermost, on the lowest floor, is designed as a private part, i.e. a house for the naturalist. Although it forms the foundation of the entire building, it is separated from the rest of the building. Above it is an intermediate zone - a utility zone, accessible to all users. Dining, relaxation and integration functions are carried out there
plan - level 1
designed by Aleksandra Dąbrowska
how important is the void in the design?
On the top floor, therefore, there was a workshop space. It serves as a place to learn, work with a microscope and conduct research and experiments. The project is topped by an observation deck, which allows you to admire the surrounding landscape and connect with nature.
projection - level 2
designed by Aleksandra Dabrowska
The lump of the pavilion is made of cast reinforced concrete forms, imitating the rocks found in the quarry. They contrast with perfectly smooth reinforced concrete feet. Glazing between them emphasizes the empty space - referring to the "Ma" concept.
visualization
proj.: Aleksandra Dąbrowska
It was important to me that the architecture I designed should relate to the space in which it is located - it should coexist with the surroundings and be seen as a complement to the landscape. I wanted to create a pavilion that reflects the characteristics of the quarry - a place that already has a history and tells it through its current visual state, and at the same time is a place ready to write its own but integral future with the surrounding space
-explains the author.
visualization
proj.: Aleksandra Dąbrowska
Accompanying the project is a leporello - a scrapbook that encapsulates the entire design process. Selected impression graphics and drawings are available in the article's gallery.
