Immersion is a project focused on conveying the contrasts of the developed site, bordering the seashore and blurring the boundaries between fresh and saltwater. The premise was based on three main ideas:
Blending the building into the terrain, which allows observation of the nature present there from its level, directing the human eye to the water surface and its entire ecosystem.
Contrast to the existing site is achieved by the strict design idea. Two intersecting main axis compose the concept of the building. Laying underground creates a strict space for humans. Where ever the structure breaks out of the ground, the twisting of axis loosening the strict design at the surface.
Lightness leaves the terrain’s shape and character as the main attraction, without overloading it with a building. In order to avoid a too heavy structure, we decided to use for the overground cubes a steel frame.
The building is based on two cuboids laying in the basement and intersect in a 75° angle. Three of the endings break out of the underground and mark the entrances. One of the cubes stays sunken. The entrances are strict and monumental, playing a representative role. They let the visitors down to the basement, which is the heart of the visitor’s center. The raster of the floorplans is strict but allows for flexibility. Inscribed in the grid are atriums which illuminate the space. Wandering between them, visitors encounter thematic exhibitions and all kinds of projections related to the wetland habitat. An auditorium is located in the sunken cube, whose work will focus on disseminating knowledge about the studied area. The other main cuboid axis functions for research and projects related to environmental topics.
The basement is constructed with concrete and steel supports, which achieves a minimalistic appearance and protection against moisture. The overground cubes are instead constructed purely out of steel. The physical properties of steel allow high loads while accomplishing a filigree structure, due to the central structural elements the views are not limited in any direction. Therefor the facades are cladded with curtain walls with square openings, open the views to the surroundings in daytime and illuminating them in the evening.
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