Floating Research and Purification Center for the Gulf of Gdańsk
Project idea
At the bottom of the Baltic Sea, particularly within the area of the Gulf of Gdańsk, lie numerous shipwrecks and significant quantities of chemical weapons from World War II. Substances such as mustard gas, phosgene, and sarin — trapped in corroding containers — pose a serious threat to the natural environment and public health. These toxins can leach into the water, sediments, and food chain, endangering the local economy, especially fisheries and tourism.
At the same time, coastal regions — including the Gulf of Gdańsk — are increasingly affected by the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, driven by melting glaciers and the thermal expansion of ocean waters, necessitate the implementation of flexible, resilient engineering solutions capable of withstanding extreme environmental phenomena.
In response to these threats, the concept of a Research and Remediation Center has been developed. The facility combines the functions of monitoring and neutralizing ecological hazards with adaptive capacity to the dynamically changing climate conditions. The structure is designed to be fully self-sufficient and resistant to future environmental risks.
Project description
The proposed center is located 1.2 kilometers off the coast of Sobieszewo Island in Gdańsk, at a depth of 12.5 meters. The structure is multi-level and functionally divided into five zones: a representative and administrative section, residential quarters for on-duty personnel, a temporary storage area, and two laboratories — one for chemical analysis and the other for robotics and telemetry.
The facility’s primary mission is to identify and recover hazardous chemical substances from the seabed using state-of-the-art technologies, including autonomous underwater drones, sonar systems, laser scanners, and artificial intelligence capable of image analysis and detecting anomalies on the ocean floor.
The structure has been designed to be fully energy self-sufficient — powered by wave and wind energy. This operational model ensures continuous, uninterrupted functionality, regardless of external energy supplies.
The architectural form of the center — raw, dynamic, and inspired by the sea — reinforces its identity as a modern hub for science, environmental protection, and technological innovation.
Technical information
The structure of the facility is founded on hydraulic piles anchored to the seabed. This solution enables the entire building to adapt to fluctuating water levels — the system allows it to be elevated by up to 5 meters, protecting it from the effects of storms, storm surges, and future coastal flooding.
The piles are equipped with hydraulic actuators made of steel, each with a diameter of 150 cm. Water pressure acts on the surface of the piston, causing it to move along the cylinder. This motion is transferred through the piston rod to the entire structure, resulting in the elevation of the building.
Additionally, the facility is mounted on a floating foundation, which increases overall stability through the principle of buoyancy. This grants the structure semi-mobile properties and resistance to long-term sea level variations.
The center is powered by a combined wave and wind turbine system, making it fully energy self-sufficient. In addition to wind turbines, energy is harvested from waves and tidal movements. A key role is played by floating buoys, which rise and fall with the rhythm of the waves, activating pistons. These pistons drive a rotor that generates electricity. This system enables continuous, renewable power generation from marine energy — without human intervention and without reliance on an external power grid.
The entire structure is designed to withstand extreme environmental conditions — the walls and ceilings are made of waterproof and fire-resistant materials, ensuring durability, safety, and operational comfort in the demanding maritime climate.
Documentation
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