design: biro
project team: saša košuta, mario kralj, dora lončarić, hrvoje arbanas, vana pavlić, mario peko
client: Josip Juraj Strossmayer university of Osijek
location: osijek
status: public tender, 1st prize
project year: 2021
The future building of electrical engineering and computing scientific and research center, continues the development of the University Campus in Osijek. The main goal is to create a structure whose architecture reflects the purpose for which it was made: science, innovation, electrical engineering and computing. With its configuration, the building simultaneously integrates into the scientific community and opens up to the wider society through the presentation and popularization of science, becoming a focal place for various scientific events in a narrower and broader context.
The research center is divided into several volumes, interspersed by gardens and greenhouses so as not to become too dominant a mass in the surrounding urban fabric of structures. Specifically, three separate volumes inhabited by research groups communicate through multi-storey common building spaces grouped in greenhouses. Common areas are connected by outdoor staircases and galleries, and expanded by tribune seating and outdoor gardens, all with the aim of creating a comfortable workspace and a space that shows what kind of endeavors are undertaken here. The plot is intertwined with archaeological findings, which is why a part of the building on the northwestern side has been elevated, with the historical traces presented. The roof is designed as an open representative ground open to all, filled with a range of renewable energy sources.
Building is planned as a nearly zero energy building (nZEB). Renewable energy is used as much as possible for heating, cooling, hot water, ventilation and lighting. The building as such has very high energy properties with low operating and maintenance costs. When designing a nearly zero energy building, special attention must be given to the optimal use of local climatic conditions and passive thermal protection measures. The types of renewable energy that can be used in the most rational and environmentally friendly way in this location are primarily thermal, solar and wind energy. The installation of geothermal heat pumps, various photovoltaic systems, solar collectors and wind turbines is envisaged. Since this center is conceived as a testing ground for improving the conditions for innovation in the field of electrical engineering and computing, the installation of pumping and storage hydropower plants is planned so as to explore the possibilities of producing electricity from water energy. Smart installations, in addition to enabling general communication and building management, will also enable the management of electricity consumption.