The PolyCuboid

The PolyCuboid challenges the concept of intersecting several volumes constituting a single building by trying to create a clean line of the intersection. Superposing a volume above another, especially on the outside, commonly results in a middle area where beams, floor slabs, terrace parapet, and outside ceiling interfere with each other. Functionally speaking, how can space syntax be kept clear while saving the entity of each volume? And what kind of spatial and functional interactions could be created between them? Furthermore, how can a volume identity be kept while using different materials?

The three cuboids in this composition are totally distinguished one from another. The metallic structure holding the building merges with the forms and becomes unreadable. The complex geometry of the distinct cuboids and their superposition creating half levels accentuates the complexity of the metallic frame that is concealed inside the invisible parts of the volumes. The void resulting from the intersection of the cuboids creates a three levels Atrium open to the outside on two sides and structuring the functionality of space. the first two levels are occupied by workspaces whether the upper two levels host recreational spaces.

The volume is composed by an interlace of three major cuboid shapes creating intersections, voids, and space units. The cuboids superposition across each other also allows a richer space syntax including interior and exterior terraces, an atrium, several seating spaces, and a clear yet richer functional distribution of spaces and connections. Bridges also connect the cuboids from inside allowing a dynamic overview of the different spaces. The first floor was shaped by the site limits and a ø700mm water pipe that is crossing the site underground. The middle volume extends in cantilevers gaining precious square meters.

The ground floor is occupied by a furnished reception and meeting space together with 6 private desks and an office space. The workspace continues the next level with a conference room, CEO’s room and a second office space. A lower half-floor part is dedicated to resting spaces including a kitchen, a table terrace giving on the atrium and a counter space. The third and fourth floors are dedicated to recreation with various spaces such as training room, dining space with a roof terrace and even a piano space giving on the atrium. The staircase stretches from 1st to 4th level along the Atrium, although this last only reaches the third floor. The elevator block, however, is the highest cuboid volume and was cladded in reflective black differently to the white cladding on all other volumes. Both parts were finished using composite reflective panels called Miraiya. The ceilings and roofs of the parts stretching out were all set to level with the ceilings and floors of the inside to create a continuity of each block. The metallic structure had to follow gymnastic adjustments to be able to host such visually simple yet technically complex alignment.