A state-of-the-art scientific and research centre of the National Centre for Advanced Imaging Analysis in Biological and Biomedical Sciences has been established in Mikołajki. The facility, located on the premises of the Research Station of the M. Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology of the Polish Academy of Sciences, is an important element of the research infrastructure, contributing to the development of advanced imaging technologies and biomedical analysis. Its design, prepared by the architecTHOR – Krzysztof Hajduczenia studio, takes into account both functionality and harmonious integration into the surrounding Mazurian landscape.
The Science and Research Centre in Mikołajki – location and surroundings
The new building was constructed in the vicinity of other scientific, technical and residential facilities that support the operation of the research station. The location near Mikołajskie Lake and the wooded escarpments typical of Warmia and Mazury gives the investment a unique character. The existing development consists mainly of single- and two-storey buildings of varying architectural form.
Architecture inspired by modernism
The design of the new building is based on the modernist concept of ‘form follows function’ by Louis Sullivan. The building’s cuboidal plan with a proportions of 1:3 consists of two overground storeys and a basement. The spatial layout is characterised by the laboratory and office areas being brought to the front, while the circulation and ancillary spaces are set back to the rear of the building. The building mass was divided vertically into five sections using “dividers”, which contributes to its aesthetics and functionality. The entrance area is accentuated by clearly protruding one of the dividers, which also separates the server room from the other rooms. The staircase is placed centrally and its projection outwards creates a cascading effect, in harmony with the natural terrain.
The building’s connection to the surrounding nature
The large glazed areas of the building are intended to integrate the interior with the surrounding nature. The facades are made of materials selected according to the function of the individual zones. The entrance, office and laboratory areas are surrounded by glass façades and corten steel panels, the colour scheme of which is reminiscent of the traditional “red roofs of the Mazury region”. The surfaces of the server room and stairwell, on the other hand, are clad in stone. These materials are weather-resistant and give the building a timeless appearance.
Science and Research Centre – innovative laboratories and details
The building is equipped with specialised research laboratories, including biochemistry, molecular biology, laser microdissection, microscopy and computer laboratories. In addition, there is an operating theatre for advanced research. One of the characteristic architectural elements of the facility are the decorative patterns cut into the corten steel panels, inspired by microscopic images of neurons.
The future of science in Mikolajki
The new building of the National Centre for Advanced Imaging Analysis in Biological and Biomedical Sciences is an important step towards the development of innovative research in Poland. Its functional and modern architecture, combined with advanced technology and harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape, makes it a place conducive to science and discovery at the highest level.
About the studio
architecTHOR – Krzysztof Hajduczenia is an architectural studio founded in 2007 and headed by Krzysztof Hajduczenia. The studio carries out projects that combine functionality, aesthetics and attention to detail. The portfolio includes projects of different nature, treated individually taking into account the context and needs of the investor. The philosophy is based on timeless solutions, clear composition, harmony of proportions and a conscious choice of materials. The projects are the result of an analysis of the space and its users, which allows the creation of buildings that fit into their surroundings in a sustainable and thoughtful manner.
design: architecTHOR – Krzysztof Hajduczenia
author: arch. Krzysztof Hajduczenia
team: arch. Łucja Domańska, arch. Jakub Smolarek, arch. Maciej Kleszczewski
realisation: 2021-2023
total area: 1126.42 sq. m
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