FAAB ARCHITEKTURA
WAVE ONE
FIRST OF FIVE BUILDINGS PLANNED FOR THE ECR COMPLEX IN SOPOT , POLAND
Wave One , of the European Center for Families , is located 400 meters from the Baltic Sea in what is historically known as a health resort town . The concept is derived from the complexity of sea waves and the local vernacular of carved ornamental detailing on facade elements . Drawing upon this , the architects created a site concept composed of five inter-related buildings , reminiscent of waves . Wave One , the first to be built after a lengthy design and construction process , encompasses specialized medical laboratories , including SARS-CoV-2 testing labs , a research & development center , and administration spaces .
FORM
The white perforated facade , enfolding Wave One , was partly inspired by a series of photographs by Pierre Carreau , titled AquaViva . The architects analyzed the geometric complexity of the sea waves captured by the photographer . The arched 3D forms , frozen in time , were translated into an architectural language that shaped the building ’ s final form . With 1,362 perforated triangular panels , the facade , just like a wave , bends at its crest , the top of the building .
The perforated panels are a symbolic gesture referencing :
1 ) the local tradition of placing ornamental details carved in wood on building facades , and
2 ) flower of life , an ancient motif credited with healing powers , befitting the healthcare function of the investment .
The perforations made it possible to elicit an airiness and dissipation of the building in space , particularly visible in the upper realm of the facade .
The East / West elevations take on 3D form , with triangular panels of sintered white ceramics skewing and reflecting sunlight onto the pavement . They create a transient detail , enlivening the immediate surroundings of the building .
Equally , curvature - a reference to the concavity of a sea wave - inspired the shape of the building mass . The amply curved canopy over the South entrance was digitally 3D modelled by the architects , and was then submitted to the local contractors for the preparation of one-to-one mock-ups . Adjustments were made on-site in order to create a seamless union with adjacent panels , and to ensure the fluidity of the perforated pattern . This was a painstaking task , given that curvature and deviation from the vertical are along both axes of the facade , not excluding the additional presence of operable shutters .
FUNCTION PER FLOOR
Below ground : cold and reagent stores , server , and technical rooms .
Ground floor : lobby , collection point , medical analytical laboratory with fully automated medical laboratory equipment based on robotic sorting lines .
First floor : molecular biology laboratory carrying out research in the field of genetics . Cytology , cytogenetics , and virological laboratory is adjacent .
Second floor : research and development center . This center also creates specialized software to streamline implementation and increase accessibility of medical procedures . The software is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies .
Third floor : Investor headquarters and offices intended for the development of research projects .
Terrace : divided into technical and recreational spaces by an acoustically insulating wall . The recreational terrace is available to all employees and provides work place well-being and a visual connection to the Baltic Sea .
Due to the difficult situation in 2020 ( availability of testing facilities ), a decision was made during construction to convert part of the space into a SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics lab . This laboratory continues to be used to determine new types of mutations . A vaccination point was organized in the building and is used by the inhabitants of Sopot .
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