Despite being the manufacturer of chemical fertilizer (something that is not usually seen as ‘green’), the Belarusian Potash Company (BPC) has managed to incorporate green design features and employee health and well-being into their design for the new headquarters in Minsk, Belarus. Giving new meaning to the term ‘biomimicry’, (chemicalmimicry?) the colorful new fertilizer headquarter building resembles a gigantic crystalline structure.
Architects Varabyeu Partners drew design inspiration from the chemical crystals that BPC creates, using its shape to drive the main floor plan of the building. The building features two wings, connected by an atrium eight stories high. Each wing of the building contains a vertical garden space to provide natural ventilation and climate control, as well as boosting the inhabitants’ wellbeing.
Worker happiness is further considered by using the space to provide employees with fitness classes, a sauna and pool. The right wing houses and amphitheater, with office spaces are located on the top floors.
Making use of Belarus’ mineral-rich land, the company controls 33% of the world potash export market, supplying Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, China, Europe, India and the USA.
+ Varabyeu Partners
Via World Architecture News
A very elegant design! I like it.
Not a big fan of red glass, however they pulled it off.
Yes, very nice design. I like the contrast of the crystal pointy like outside and the fluid organic inside. It makes the building look alive.
But I do have the feeling this building is green because green is “in”, and the company has a bit too much money therefor this “show-off” project? If polluting was “in”, they’d have very polluting hadquarters. But hey, luckely green is “in”.
I’m personally from Belarus and so glad that this design appeared on http://www.inhabitat.com
Our country doesn’t have oil and gas deposits as our neighbour Russia do and i think in some way it is a positive thing as it pushes our country to explore the techniques and approaches moving in “green” direction, rather than convert oil/gas into $ The design itsself may not be so perfect but the idea behind it and a will to go green is so great to hear about.
Lovely!
And you know what – I live in Minsk and I do not see it coming to life..
Anyway, the architects site is so appropriate – under construction
amazing nice combination . red glass is look like diamond.red colour is also symbol of victory