The 170 sqm research center acts as a think-tank – an innovative space to challenge and expand on existing notions of modular construction.
Situated at the edge of the KOMA complex, the new research center carefully integrates the factory into its surrounding environment while creating a large semi-public social gathering square contributing to the employees' liveliness and progressive working culture.
The one-story building allows passers-by to view the factory from the street level, further enhancing an accessible, transparent, barrier-free area.
Set to become an innovation hub for the factory complex to develop and explore new undiscovered building methods with modules, the research center forms an adaptable system that can meet multi-purpose needs.
Keeping in mind the structure's principal function, it is further underlying the vital element of transparency reflected in its building. Creating a complex that is open and welcoming to the local community confidently reflects on the principle of new concepts envisioned to form inside the rotated containers of the building.
Putting the focus on crafting new shapes offering unrestrained modularity and showcasing an innovative system of multifunctional modular shapes, the studio is purposely shifting old paradigms and expanding on the typical rectangular construction to foster a transparent working environment.
By bypassing the restriction of the customary use of right-angled units placed side by side, the research center varies from a standard model in the basic re-imagination of the use of modular structures, making it a user-friendly model for the future of modular architecture.
Containing three main module elements, the floor, the container, and the roof units, the composed space creates a new unique system – spatial units containing the facilities are leveled onto the planar flooring modules, which are anchored to the foundation, functioning as columns.
Placed in between the containers and
the roof, vast window surfaces draw in an abundance of light, keeping the
workplace open and connected to the exterior space.
The juxtaposition of the main modules and glass surfaces forms an all-inclusive spacious open area dedicated to horizontal and vertical working spaces. The area itself is entirely flexible, avoiding negative aspects of large open space offices, and can be readjusted to meet the specific needs of any project, forming multiple adaptable and individual workstations.
As a natural continuation of the modularity concept, the furniture design allows the office equipment to be supplemented, changed, and adapted to new needs over time – pieces of equipment can be customized simply by re-connecting the elements.
Building materials further aid in reflecting and understanding the innovative modular concept of the research center, with its perforated surface and visible details used to the maximum extent in their natural form.
As a material that KOMA manufactures and uses daily, aluminum was
a clear choice for the complex, aiding the understanding of modular build
principles easily.
(source:archdaily)
