Over 2000 ceramic tiles are used on the upper floor levels|Three shades of red were used to create irregularity on all four elevations|The building marks the first time curved tiles have been used on a facade in Poland|The same shades of red are used on the building’s interior on the floors and walls as an accent||
Polish practice FAAB Architektura has designed a striking red blood centre in Racibórz, Poland to remind people to donate blood.
It might not be ideal for those who feel squeamish at the sight of blood, but the bold colour of the facade of the blood centre in Racibórz, Poland, has been designed to remind people of that very thing – so they will donate blood.
Local practice FAAB Architektura was inspired by the local Silesian building tradition that uses glazed bricks for the facade of historical buildings. However, the project marks a first for Poland with the incorporation of curved custom-glazed tiles.
The glossy shades of red are supposed to represent the richness of blood, while the geometry of the tiles and panels reflect the function of the building, and the clash of biology and technology – symbolised by the rounded and straight elements, respectively.
The upper levels of the fascade are made up of more than 2000 ceramic elements; the ceramic pipes on the uppermost level help to cool the conference room and hide the technological systems on the roof. The internal design echoes the colours and shapes used on the exterior. A central stairwell is finished with red ceramic tiles, and accents of colour are picked out in the floors and walls.
A blood-collecting unit is located on the ground floor, while the remainder of the building holds offices, medical laboratories and storage rooms. These are placed around a central circulation core that leads into two large conference rooms on the third floor.
Most of the rooms are naturally lit by two windows, and glazed internal walls allow this light to continue through to the corridors.
The construction of the blood centre – the first phase of the project – has now been completed. The final two phases will involve the building of a shelter for the blood transportation bus, and the first specialised centre in Poland for blood cancer diagnostics, which will be situated within the new structure.
