Connector for Technical University of Lodz | formodesign

Connector for Technical University of Lodz, image courtesy of formodesign

The Connector by formodesign, is an extension project for Architecture and Engineering buildings at Technical University of Lodz, Poland. The project is composed and stacked by 3 linear forms with the open views towards the park.

The idea for our concept was not only to make a form that would connect the buildings but which also would be mind and eye pleasing for students of both, so different, departments.

formodesign, Lukasz Skirzynski & Jedrzej Lewandowski

+ Project description courtesy of Formodesign

Our office was asked by the Technical Univeristy of Lodz representatives to prepare a detailed concept for a building which would connect two separate departments of Architecture and Engineering. The challenge was to pay respect to rules dominating the existing buildings, as they were designed by well known Polish architect Boleslaw Kardaszewski (one of the University’s leading professors).

We used the existing module of 3,3m as the base dimension during the design process.

Connector for Technical University of Lodz, image courtesy of formodesign

The idea for our concept was not only to make a form that would connect the buildings but which also would be mind and eye pleasing for students of both, so different, departments.

Here are some other factors we had to take in consideration:

• the need for fire-safety drive
• only 1st floor was available at the Architecture Department (the tall one)
• need for an elevator
• need for a small workshop on the ground floor
• both departments are situated next to a park on the side of the connector
• connect Architecture 1st floor with Engineering 2nd and 3rd floors

Connector for Technical University of Lodz, image courtesy of formodesign

We designed a 2 storey main form which is flat-closed with a classrom on each floor. The staircase and elevator are incorporated into the construction supporting system.

The corridors, with an open view on the park, are used for exposition of student works – for educational reasons we wanted to let the students of both departments use the same expo space!

Under the main connector, on the 1st floor level, we proposed a space which connects the new and old buildings and would be used for exibitions that need to be lit only by artificial light. As this space would be mainly used for communication there is an outer garden available.

The ground level glass box hides the construction supporting columns and is used as the students’ (workshop) space with a view on the park.

Connector for Technical University of Lodz - Ground floor plan, drawing courtesy of formodesign

Connector for Technical University of Lodz - 1st floor plan, drawing courtesy of formodesign

Connector for Technical University of Lodz - 2nd floor plan, drawing courtesy of formodesign

Connector for Technical University of Lodz - 3rd floor plan, drawing courtesy of formodesign

+ Project credits / data

Project: Connector for Architecture and Engineering buildings at Technical University of Lodz, Poland
Authors: formodesign - Jedrzej Lewandowski, Lukasz Skirzynski
Location: University of Lodz, Poland
Status: Project is currently pending to be used for UE funds for modernisation gaining process by TUoL / A&E Departments. It also has been used as the educational material during the lectures and laboratories of steel construction design.

+ All images and drawings courtesy of formodesign