The recent international design
competition for a marine research center in Bali Indonesia gave firm solus4 an
opportunity to study and architecturally interpret the structure of tsunami
waves. The competition, co-sponsored by Arquitectumand Universitas
Pelita Harapan
in Indonesia, sought to address the need for tsunami research and preparation in
response to the devastation caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and
tsunami. The 2500 square meter Marine Research Center would be located 150
meters off shore from the of Kuta beach. It is an imposing fluid structure that
seamlessly adapts to its natural aquatic environment and allows visitors and
scientist to have a direct visual connection to the exterior. The program which
consists of research labs, bedrooms for scientist, seawater pool, aquatic
garden library and an auditorium would be distributed under and over the
surface of the sea.
The solus4 design team sought to
understand the wave dynamics and the resulting wave force patterns that are
generated as tsunami waves are created and radiate out from an epicenter. The
wave forces, when translated to linear patterns, inform the shapes that are
integrated into the building form and result in patterns that seem to be born
of the sea. Building forms are then used to respond to the programmatic
requirements of the facility for both on-board scientists and the interested
visitor.
In keeping with the nature of the
universal ocean, the project is intended to be wholly energy efficient. Large
glass-based panels form the skin – both transparent and opaque as well as
embedded PV cells. The close in to shore location allows for tidal/current
generators to serve the power requirements. Rainwater collection and seawater
conversion systems take care of the domestic water requirements. Deeper source
seawater is circulated through the skin for radiant cooling and temperature
control of the overall anthropomorphic shape.
The unique shapes and programmatic
requirements would serve as an icon for scientific study and tourism in this
location.
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