In terms of plan, this building really resembles a saw blade with its characteristic sharp teeth. This form was chosen by the architect not for its external striking, but as a result of careful calculations of insolation and energy efficiency. In total, the building has five floors, and each next "disk" is 1.5 meters larger than the previous one, due to which it serves as a kind of canopy for the windows of the lower level. As for the uppermost floor, it is protected from direct sunlight by a special mesh screen that moves along the round facade following the sun. The screen is assembled from solar panels - together with batteries installed on the roof, they completely provide the building with the required amount of electricity.
As you might guess, bay windows are arranged in the "teeth" of each "disk", allowing to expand the useful area of each cabinet. The dynamism of this form is repeatedly emphasized and strengthened by triangular windows, as well as the use of materials in bright colors in the facing of facades - orange, green and several shades of red, from scarlet to maroon.
The building, which at first glance is remembered for its variegated colors and unusual shape, was built for the Chalmers University of Technology (Chalmers). This one of the most famous universities in Gothenburg was in need of new offices and laboratories, however, solving the "housing problem", the university also wanted to highlight its involvement in the development of energy efficient technologies with the help of the new complex. That is why Gert Wingord was tasked with designing an image building that will include not only workrooms, but also a vast public area. The latter is intended both for informal communication between students and teachers, and for placing an exposition dedicated to "green" innovations and open to all comers.
A. M.
