Małopolska Science Center Cogiteon

The Małopolska Science Center Cogiteon is an institution with an educational and exhibition function that promotes science and education through play and new, experimental, and original forms of exposition.

Its unique, expressive form is a symbol and an element of the institution's identity. Within a short time of its opening, the Cogiteon building became one of the most important points on the architectural map of Krakow.

The architecture of the building draws on the cultural, location, and landscape conditions of the surrounding area. The assumptions for shaping the form of the building and its functional utility layout refer to an extremely expressive element of the surrounding space — the existing runway of the former airport.

The parts of the building are enclosed in a uniform facade in the form of a transparent “screen,” which gives the project an innovative and technological expression. Seen against the concrete walls, the expanded metal elements shimmering in the sunlight create very interesting drawings of light and shadow, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. The metal screen gives a three-dimensional effects and lightness. The façade is used as a space for presenting current events and illuminating the building.

The colors and material concept have been limited, allowing a monochromatic and somewhat austere interior, consistent with the building's external expression, to form a background for the arrangement of permanent and temporary exhibitions and the display of art installations, as well as for the presentations, lectures, and various events.

The dominant park character of the area became an impulse to design Cogiteon as an element strongly integrated into the landscape, blurring the boundary between the building and the surroundings of the museum grounds and the cultural park.

The triangular-plan building grows out of the runway space. It is characterized by variations in levels, heights, and the size of the individual spaces. The roof is a viewing terrace and grandstand that can be used by Cogiteon users and Krakow residents to observe air shows or other events that will take place in the park and in the Science Center.

The individual elements correspond to the zoning of function, taking internal connections and the organization of the Center, while integrating the building's interior with its exterior. Taking advantage of the natural terrain, the designed building has been sunken, which is also an important aspect of the energy concept.

The structure of the interior and the landscaping of the adjacent area are conducive to the organization of communal spaces for work, study, as well as areas for users' creativity. The building has a transitional character. The passageways separating the individual functional units allow free movement in all directions.

The area surrounding Cogiteon has been designed with a lot of low plantings in the form of grasses, shrubs, and perennials, as well as trees. A recreational space surrounded by greenery, a gym area, and a very interesting playground have been set aside.

The shape of the building is an important element of the energy concept — the triangular outline eliminated the north facade and the sloping, sloping green roof replaced the south facade. The temperature-stable east and west facades, apart from the entrance zone, are bounded by solid partitions. The double reinforced concrete space housing the multi-level staircases provides a buffer between the interior and exterior of the building. The temperature in the reinforced concrete void space is intermediate. The massive concrete walls provide an accumulative thermal mass. Glazing is designed primarily on the north and south elevations, facing the inner courtyards. 

The intensive green roof, apart from its recreational and visual aspects, is an important element of the building's energy concept, eliminating the heat island effect. 

The focus of the proposed installation solutions is simplicity, high efficiency, and ease of maintenance. The building makes use of a highly efficient heating system, using an interchangeable heat exchanger and RES energy in the form of an ice reservoir. Rainwater is used to irrigate the site.

During the design work, the main principles of the architectural concept from the competition stage were maintained. Only changes related to the planned use of the building and assumptions for the future exhibition and educational offer were introduced, including elements related to equipment and interior design.

The architectural and urban planning concept for the Cogiteon Science Center building is based on the site context and planning considerations. The building is unique, both in the scale of our office and in the scale of projects implemented in Poland and abroad. 
What unites our projects, including this one, is functional utility, strong references to the surroundings, and structural and material solutions. Our projects are characterized by elegance and simplicity of expression, economical detailing, and timeless architecture. We also attach great importance to solutions that limit environmental impact and reduce energy consumption.

Email interview conducted by John Hill.