Zofa

competition programme

ideas for a building of international stature and, at the same time, a paragon of sustainability

intro

The Afsluitdijk is a fascinating monument for the Dutch struggle with the sea during the centuries. Building the dike did not only create a strong protection against storm flew for the land situated behind but also made it possible to generate new land area to settle and farm. Next to this the dike has more functions: it is connecting and separating at the same time, in-closing the IJsselmeer and ex-closing the sea.

chosen location

Looking at the dike from far above you can figure it's amazing straight line that has 3 special spots: the two locks for ships and the working-island Breezanddijk.
Breezandddijk was necessary in order to be able to build the dike. It's meaning therefore is much bigger than one figures driving at or visiting the dike. The island is mostly recognizable for the once using the gas station or staying at the small camping site.  Furthermore there are two harbours (mostly used for maintenance purposes) and the great impression one gets seeing the two waters enclosing the dike while standing on the only bridge above the dike.
The new sustainability centre is situated next to the island of Breezanddijk. Located like this it can make use of the existing facilities, giving an impulse to upgrade them and keeping the straight line of the dike. Visitors will park their car and then go to the centre by using a sun-powered electric boat, a bike or walking through the wad during low tide. By approaching the building like this, visitors get already in touch with the place and the serene nature that's so remarkable.

building concept

A centre for sustainability demands a specific approach on how the building uses its energy. At first the building should consume as less energy as possible. During daytime it shouldn't be necessary to switch on lights, in summer there shouldn't be the need to keep the building fresh using an air condition but by example natural ventilation or cooling by using the mass of the building.
But still there is the need of energy to serve the programme of the building. Using the advantages of the location with its winds and free shadow less surrounding.

The energy of the almost constantly blowing wind can be gained sufficiently by using the effect of Venturi. Reshaping the dike serves two purposes: generating the needed under-pressure for the Venturi effect for producing electricity as well as creating quietness from the highway traffic on the dike.

The energy of the sun will be used in two different ways: the solar panels on the roof of the centre will produce electricity while the water tubes next to the panels will cool them down (making them more efficient) and heat up water. This water is stored in a huge 'boiler' and will serve the building with warmth during the cold months. 

As a back up the remains of the gained electricity will pump up water in two water reservoirs. The energy stored like this can be used in days that have a lack of wind or sun as well as during nights. In addition for these days, when the tide is low, the difference of the water level between the IJsselmeer and Waddenzee will generate electricity by using a turbine.

Sustainability does not stop by the way a building is using energy. The materials used to built are as well important as the behaviour and consuming habit of the people using it. Making use of smart materials, producing bio gas from waste and collecting rain water are good adds on the concept of sustainability. But one of the most important tasks is to design a building that can be transformed with the needs of it's users. Creating a flowing wide space that can fit any new exhibition theme within any bright variety of exhibition concepts is therefore a key - quality of the new centre.
Serving the centre for sustainability with renewable energies makes it reasonable to design a building in witch the visitor experiences the techniques of sustainability as a main attraction. The combination between the powers of nature serving the techniques and the serene landscape led to the study on the shape for the centre. The build consequences for the supply of energy form the natural foundation of the building. It should be simple but elegant and reflecting the dynamic of research and technology.
The shape should communicate both: the understanding of the laws of nature by human beings and the creativity of making use of them for own needs. A good example for this kind of understanding is the boomerang. With it's strong iconic form it's a good symbol for a first flying machine that returns. Revering with the shape of the new sustainability centre to the boomerang the building offers to the visitor a bright variety of experiencing the location of the centre, while the travellers on the highway see a bridge like icon. The new sustainability centre does not try to be part of the landscape but expresses it self as a piece of human technological creativity and a centre of experiences.