“Who would have thought this was possible four years ago?” These words from Peter Gruss, President of the Max Planck Society, still echo in the halls of the Polo Tecnológico. This cluster of buildings serves as a hub for science and technology. It stands in Buenos Aires where the Giol wineries once stood.
The Polo Científico Tecnológico represents Argentina’s commitment to high-level science. It aims to attract top researchers to solve global issues. The Polo Tecnológico fosters collaboration between local and international researchers. They work together to address essential problems.
Inaugurated in stages, the first phase opened in October 2011 by President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. It houses the Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation. Also the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Promotion is located here, as well as four research institutes.
The second phase started in 2012. It includes new research institutes. The National Scientific and Technical Research Council CONICET also found its place here. An interactive Science Museum and an auditorium were added.
The Polo Tecnológico covers 45000 square meters. The investment amounts to 250 million pesos. The first 24000 square meters opened four years ago. In 2015, the completed work added nearly 23000 square meters.
Lino Barañao, Minister of Science and Technology, called it the most important infrastructure project in science of the last fifty years. The Polo Tecnológico embodies sustainable construction criteria. It features high safety standards and automation levels.
The project preserves the original facades and structures of the existing buildings. These are the Red Building and the White Building. The avenue-facing rear has a ventilated facade system. This significantly reduces energy consumption for climate control.
To reduce water consumption, the development incorporates a greywater treatment system. Water from sinks and kitchens is filtered. It is treated with an anti-foaming agent and colored. This non-potable water is reused for flushing toilets.
A mixed system heats the sanitary water. Solar collectors on the roofs heat water. Electric water heaters then keep it hot, avoiding gas consumption. The Building Management System BMS centrally monitors various building systems.
The Polo Tecnológico also promotes energy efficiency. The computing system uses thin client technology. Fire protection installations follow US standards. These standards establish a system for fire detection and active suppression. Automatic sprinklers are in each sector. Stairs have pressurization systems.
Buildings use a Variable Refrigerant Volume VRV climate control system. This adjusts the cooling or heating capacity based on instant demand. The Red Building houses the Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation. A restaurant promotes interdisciplinary interaction among scientists. It is open to the public as a link with the community.
The White Building houses the National Agency for Scientific and Technological Promotion. It also features the International Interdisciplinary Institutes for Innovation I4. The Max Planck Society Office for Latin America is located here. It strengthens cooperation with Max Planck institutes.
The new CONICET building promotes science and technology development in Argentina. The Cultural Center of Science C3 fosters scientific culture through innovative activities. Interactive experiences promote the understanding of scientific and technological thought. The C3 features the permanent exhibition A Place for Doubts. The TEC TV television studio is also in the same building. Finally, the Park of Sciences offers a green space for public access.
The Polo Tecnológico stands as a testament to Argentina’s commitment to science, technology, and innovation. It is a place where ideas flourish and collaborations spark.