Influence of the Widespread Use of Corten Plate on the Acoustics of the European Solidarity Centre Building in Gdańsk

Wojciech Targowski,Andrzej Kulowski

doi:10.3390/buildings11030133

Abstract

This paper describes the relationship between a strong architectural vision that is difficult to balance, and user expectations in terms of acoustics. The focus is on the use of corten steel as the dominant finishing material on façades and interiors to achieve an expressive, symbolic message through program-based design. The architectural premises justifying the adopted solutions are presented, especially the universality and homogeneity of the material. Against this background, the influence of corten steel on the acoustics of the two largest rooms of the European Solidarity Center, which are the winter garden and the multi-purpose hall, was discussed. Remedial steps have been taken to reduce the greatest acoustic inconveniences resulting from the widespread use of metal sheet as a finishing material in rooms, i.e., excessive reverberation and a low degree of sound dispersion. A positive result for the acoustic conditions achieved in the winter garden was the presentation of a large body of classical music in the building.

Highlights

Developed as the result of a high-profile international competition, the European Solidarity Centre (ECS) in Gdansk was opened in 2014 [1,2]
Used as an interior finishing material, the corten plate plays a special role in developing the symbolic code of architecture [4]
The corroded surface of the façades, is only a complement to the primary formal idea behind the project, referring to the once existing steel stockpile required for shipbuilding— the consistent parallel alignment, and the inclination from the upright position of the rust-colored walls, so that they directly relate to the metal sheets leaning against the storage racks (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

Developed as the result of a high-profile international competition, the European Solidarity Centre (ECS) in Gdansk was opened in 2014 [1,2]. The use of corten steel in the architecture of the building is an obvious reference to the industrial character of the city. Despite the aesthetic affinities with the above-mentioned projects, the building of the ECS is clearly specific In this case, the designer took the risk of mass use of corten cladding as a finishing material in interiors with qualified acoustics. The unconventional use of large steel surfaces raised concerns that the interiors would show the acoustic properties of an industrial hall, and lose the acoustic comfort desired in public utility buildings [11]

Corten Plates as a Finishing Material

Use of Corten Plates in the ECS Interiors

Winter Garden

Multi-Purpose Hall

Conclusions