Urban recharge
Basic information
Project Title
Urban recharge
Category
Shaping a circular industrial ecosystem and supporting life-cycle thinking
Project Description
Our goal is to create an operation on the last vacant lot in Świnoujście (PL) that will not be set against the surrounding commerce, but at the same time will not be a shallow attraction for tourists.
Putting the power plant in the middle of a tourist resort is not only a response to the context of the place and the energy situation, it is also a manifestation that a power plant can be integrated into the city centre and function as an element in the public space.
Putting the power plant in the middle of a tourist resort is not only a response to the context of the place and the energy situation, it is also a manifestation that a power plant can be integrated into the city centre and function as an element in the public space.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Świnoujście, Poland
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Swinoujście. A picturesque scenery, where the vast beaches of the Baltic seaside and a zones of protected greenery combine together with commercial spaces whose existence value is defined solely by profit. However, large profits are conditioned by large energy consumption comparable to that of about 15 000 households. Our goal is to create an operation on the last vacant lot in this location that will not be set against the surrounding commerce, but at the same time will not be a shallow attraction for tourists.Putting the power plant in the middle of a tourist resort is not only a response to the context of the place and the energy situation, it is also a manifestation that a power plant can be integrated into the city centre and function as an element in the public space. We designed the power plant as a pumping storage plant, which gives us the benefit of maximum accessibility of the power plant and also the potential of the sea as a massive water reservoir. The second part of the project looks for the significance of the resulting parcel within the urban fabric. It responds to the relationships created by the power plant, on the basis of which we are trying to find a set of rules that would intagrate the existing urban structure into the close vicinity of the power plant.
Key objectives for sustainability
Sustainability and sustainable energy extraction is the central theme of the whole project, which was born out of a need to draw attention to the vast amount of energy we draw, which is multiplied many times over by the superfluous conveniences of holiday resorts.
The hydropower project uses mechanical pumps powered by sea waves to pump water into massive above-ground reservoirs. From these, the water heads to turbines that generate electricity and returns to the sea.
The huge concrete structures and the exposed power generation process in the middle of the hotel promenade, serve as a symbol of the amount of energy that must be produced to maintain our living comfort.
Since power plants are commonly located outside of cities, we may feel that we have electricity available at any time and with minimal effort, without realizing the vast technological infrastructure, and the natural stresses behind charging our iPhones.
The hydropower project uses mechanical pumps powered by sea waves to pump water into massive above-ground reservoirs. From these, the water heads to turbines that generate electricity and returns to the sea.
The huge concrete structures and the exposed power generation process in the middle of the hotel promenade, serve as a symbol of the amount of energy that must be produced to maintain our living comfort.
Since power plants are commonly located outside of cities, we may feel that we have electricity available at any time and with minimal effort, without realizing the vast technological infrastructure, and the natural stresses behind charging our iPhones.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The first and biggest issue we addressed in the design of the physical plant was how to approach the design of the tanks, which are to hold 10,000m3 of water. The main factor for the design of the tank’s mass was the economic viability of the plant. We considered a single tank with as large a volume as possible, which we then divided into several smaller volumes forming a visually interesting silhouette. All the tanks are uniform, which facilitates the construction and prefabrication of the individual elements.
Just like dolosse that serve as a protection of the shoreline from the erosive forces of waves, allowing water currents to bypass the feet of these concrete blocks, the tanks allow for human circulation throught the empty space underneath the tanks. The form is based on the static principles of the generally most advantageous shapes for a water tank, which are the tripod and the one-piece rotating hyperboloid. Likewise from the hexagonal tetrapod, a stable geometric shape with high strength and rigidity.
The space below the reservoirs is open to the organic interpenetration of urban functions. The individual elements of the power plant will complement the urban space in an appropriate way. The concrete legs of the structures can define the space and form alleys, small squares will be created around the water turbines, the electric transformer will become a sculpture.
Just like dolosse that serve as a protection of the shoreline from the erosive forces of waves, allowing water currents to bypass the feet of these concrete blocks, the tanks allow for human circulation throught the empty space underneath the tanks. The form is based on the static principles of the generally most advantageous shapes for a water tank, which are the tripod and the one-piece rotating hyperboloid. Likewise from the hexagonal tetrapod, a stable geometric shape with high strength and rigidity.
The space below the reservoirs is open to the organic interpenetration of urban functions. The individual elements of the power plant will complement the urban space in an appropriate way. The concrete legs of the structures can define the space and form alleys, small squares will be created around the water turbines, the electric transformer will become a sculpture.
Key objectives for inclusion
Project does not propose concrete idea for individual buildings, but rather proposes a regulatory plan. That contains two sides, one being safe for powerplant workers. On the other hand is the area accessible to all without difference thus creating free space up to some degree. To a certain extent will plot be under the influence of commerciality, which we do not rule out. Nonetheless, ratio of commerce in proportion between plot area and surroundings will be radically reduced. It is then upto future operation of the plot how it will react to proposal.
Limits that we have determined in the area comply with norms and standards for barrier-free operation between individual areas. Unlike the surrounding area, which is without any future plan or rules. Develompment then might become over commercial and without barrier-free access.
Limits that we have determined in the area comply with norms and standards for barrier-free operation between individual areas. Unlike the surrounding area, which is without any future plan or rules. Develompment then might become over commercial and without barrier-free access.
How Citizens benefit
Project concentrates on idea of power plant integrated in the city infrastructure. Most power plants are built on a periphery with no spatial and formal relationships to the surroundings and with exclusively technical occupation of land.
Proposed power plant will serve as an attraction for tourists as it complements the silhouette of the city. Both the distinctive form and the uncovering of functions and processes that are usually hidden on the periphery are attractive to the masses of tourists flocking to Swinoujscie.
Powerplant will be beneficial for locals as it will relieve them in energy availability and mainly cost. The plot will also regulate ratio of commerce and will provide spaces that can be regularly used by locals, e.g. for sport activities. At the same time pumped storage power plant functions very quietly, therefore will not acoustically dsiturb the area.
Employees will be working within the city infrastructure, therefore they won't have to commute and will be in regular contact with other visitors.
Proposed power plant will serve as an attraction for tourists as it complements the silhouette of the city. Both the distinctive form and the uncovering of functions and processes that are usually hidden on the periphery are attractive to the masses of tourists flocking to Swinoujscie.
Powerplant will be beneficial for locals as it will relieve them in energy availability and mainly cost. The plot will also regulate ratio of commerce and will provide spaces that can be regularly used by locals, e.g. for sport activities. At the same time pumped storage power plant functions very quietly, therefore will not acoustically dsiturb the area.
Employees will be working within the city infrastructure, therefore they won't have to commute and will be in regular contact with other visitors.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
The whole project is basically a manifesto for a new approach to structures and systems related to technical infrastructure and energetics. Although electrification is an absolutely fundamental pillar of everyday functioning for the majority of the population, its physical manifestations tend to be hidden and pushed to the periphery. In relation to the type of operation, safety is an issue, but for most, the path to integration and exposure is a matter of a few effective regulations.
In our case, the design deliberately leaves most of the plot empty and is directed more towards the height, which is, after all, based on the way energy is gained. This leaves the space for the current infrastructure and the city's requirements to grow into the parcel, while respecting the established regulations. In effect, we are creating the playing field and the rules of the game, but not designing the result.
With the project, we want to further manifest that even in a seemingly unsuitable environment it is possible to strive for energy self-sufficiency and not just take advantage of a urban grid.
In our case, the design deliberately leaves most of the plot empty and is directed more towards the height, which is, after all, based on the way energy is gained. This leaves the space for the current infrastructure and the city's requirements to grow into the parcel, while respecting the established regulations. In effect, we are creating the playing field and the rules of the game, but not designing the result.
With the project, we want to further manifest that even in a seemingly unsuitable environment it is possible to strive for energy self-sufficiency and not just take advantage of a urban grid.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
In the process, the project was consulted with an expert in statics and an expert in energy engineering creating synnergy between architecture, construction and energy industries. In this sense, architecture is seen as a tool for elevation. The calculations made in the framework of the project express the ratio between the amount and height of the mass and the necessary overhang. From there, the final form of the individual elements takes place.
The layout and sprawl of the power plant is based on the typical layout of the power plant, which includes the storage tank, penstock, turbine and basic building elements of the power plant, which are the transformer, generator and powerhouse. Project benefits from closeness of the sea and utilizes new technology of water pumping, therefore Baltic sea becomes the water reservoar.
Concept revolves around the boundary of openness and accessibility of power plant operation, but with the emphasis on safety.
The layout and sprawl of the power plant is based on the typical layout of the power plant, which includes the storage tank, penstock, turbine and basic building elements of the power plant, which are the transformer, generator and powerhouse. Project benefits from closeness of the sea and utilizes new technology of water pumping, therefore Baltic sea becomes the water reservoar.
Concept revolves around the boundary of openness and accessibility of power plant operation, but with the emphasis on safety.
Methodology used
From the very beginning, the assignment was focused on the question of whether to dedicate this parcel to residents of the city, to tourists or to a mixture of the two. But we didn't want to answer that question, instead we asked our own - 'How can we recharge this exhausted and exhausting space.'
Phase 1 - The power plant in the city
The power plant design was all about designing an efficient water pumping and energy conversion system. We consulted continuously with the structural engineer and energy engineer on all the calculations and tried to find a suitable compromise. In the end, the balance between the amount of energy produced and the required load capacity was settled at a final coverage of 30% of the consumption of the defined area in summer and more than 100% in winter. The key was to design a structure that also respected the view and shading requirements of the surrounding hotels and the newly proposed regulatory plan of the city.
Phase 2 - The town around the power station
By placing the power plant in the centre of the city, a new type of space is created, which, due to its typology, leaves a large part of the site empty. In the second phase of the design we explored different options for the built-up of this space. We established limits and regulations to ensure the safe operation of the power plant and outlined several potential models.
The two-phase power plant-natural growth design was only the second option we worked with. We first planned to design both the power plant and the surrounding operations simultaneously. However, this option gradually started to make no sense to us and we rather learned how we did not want to approach the project.
Phase 1 - The power plant in the city
The power plant design was all about designing an efficient water pumping and energy conversion system. We consulted continuously with the structural engineer and energy engineer on all the calculations and tried to find a suitable compromise. In the end, the balance between the amount of energy produced and the required load capacity was settled at a final coverage of 30% of the consumption of the defined area in summer and more than 100% in winter. The key was to design a structure that also respected the view and shading requirements of the surrounding hotels and the newly proposed regulatory plan of the city.
Phase 2 - The town around the power station
By placing the power plant in the centre of the city, a new type of space is created, which, due to its typology, leaves a large part of the site empty. In the second phase of the design we explored different options for the built-up of this space. We established limits and regulations to ensure the safe operation of the power plant and outlined several potential models.
The two-phase power plant-natural growth design was only the second option we worked with. We first planned to design both the power plant and the surrounding operations simultaneously. However, this option gradually started to make no sense to us and we rather learned how we did not want to approach the project.
How stakeholders are engaged
Polish electricity coming from renewable energy sources is only around one fifth, among the lowest numbers in EU. Power plant is in accordance with Polish goal to transition from coal fueled energy to cleaner forms and also European goal to become the first climate-neutral bloc by 2050.
Proposal takes into accout requirements of the city. Newly created regulatory plan proposes a new communication artery leading from main promenade to beach and therefore we propose to connect the plot with this planned communication. It also responds to requests from hotels, which are right across the street, to not block the hotel clients views. Therefore the individual towers of power plant are located in between the hotels.
The categories of the regulatory plan does not invent new program but rather creates room for a more systematic growth of existing functions from which whole city will benefit.
Proposal takes into accout requirements of the city. Newly created regulatory plan proposes a new communication artery leading from main promenade to beach and therefore we propose to connect the plot with this planned communication. It also responds to requests from hotels, which are right across the street, to not block the hotel clients views. Therefore the individual towers of power plant are located in between the hotels.
The categories of the regulatory plan does not invent new program but rather creates room for a more systematic growth of existing functions from which whole city will benefit.
Global challenges
In 2020, the Polish energy sector was roughly 70% dependent on coal and only 10% on renewables - 65% wind power, 19% biomass, 11% hydropower and 5% solar. The expectation for this year was a 15% share of renewables, which was almost 5% unfulfilled. They would like to increase the percentage of renewables to 21% by 2030. But to make this happen, radical steps need to be taken.
Learning transferred to other parties
The aim of the project is to show that we can strive for energy self-sufficiency of a city or a part of a city almost anytime and anywhere and shows the advantages of integrating energy structures directly into the city structure.
This specific proposal is mainly applicable in coastal cities/areas. Towers can either be newly built or use an existing vacant building that reaches the required height, the principle is thus perfectly applicable for reconstruction.
On a different scale, the principle of generating electricity by pumping water can also be applied to family or institutional buildings. Practically anywhere.
Individual elements such as the Kaplan turbine and the Searasor in combination with the whole power plant system ensure that the whole system works very efficiently, so the project exposes and inspires these lesser-known and used elements to be applied more widely, as well as harnessing the power of the tidal waves.
The design process itself, which includes the critical reflection mentioned above, can also inspire other projects. It is very important to frequently reflect and critically evaluate the current state of the work and not be afraid to take a few steps back. At this point, it is then very useful to name and describe the problems that occurred in the original process and thus set out certain requirements for the new process.
This specific proposal is mainly applicable in coastal cities/areas. Towers can either be newly built or use an existing vacant building that reaches the required height, the principle is thus perfectly applicable for reconstruction.
On a different scale, the principle of generating electricity by pumping water can also be applied to family or institutional buildings. Practically anywhere.
Individual elements such as the Kaplan turbine and the Searasor in combination with the whole power plant system ensure that the whole system works very efficiently, so the project exposes and inspires these lesser-known and used elements to be applied more widely, as well as harnessing the power of the tidal waves.
The design process itself, which includes the critical reflection mentioned above, can also inspire other projects. It is very important to frequently reflect and critically evaluate the current state of the work and not be afraid to take a few steps back. At this point, it is then very useful to name and describe the problems that occurred in the original process and thus set out certain requirements for the new process.
Keywords
sustainbility
green energy
power plant
water pumping
summer resort
