Rotation – Transformation
Autorica: Katarina MustaćMentorica: Bojana Bojanić Obad Šćitaroci
Context
The block is located in the downtown area, near the city center. The block consists of two concentric rings of buildings – the outer one hosting buildings of residential use and the inner containing offices. The traffic density and the circulation of a great number of people in the city center are in contrast with the introverted and calm urban oasis found inside of the block.
Program
The block is located in the vicinity of the Design District and also accessible to several schools and cultural facilities, such as the Croatian Association of Artists and Galleries. In view of the surrounding area, the aim is to create an inner space that accommodates similar facilities. Former offices could accommodate various workshops and courses (i.e. art, drama and music) and provide a space for associations and organizations. The end users would be people of all age groups. The project aims to include these users in the creation and alternation of its space through personal ideas, interventions, activities and events.
Concept
The space is designed according to program requirements. For a multifunctional space that complies with various activities, different time periods and changing demands, permanent changeable structures are required in order to enable its flexibility, so that this could become a space where one could create. In good weather conditions, activities and the presentation of work can also be held outside. Different types of activities (working, relaxing, presenting, exhibiting) require different setups for which flexible design is key. The so emerging spaces are not strictly defined in terms of function – their overlapping and interweaving is made possible.
Design
The flexibility of layout is achieved by the rotation of panels. Their position is defined by a grid (8 by 8 meters). Being 2 meters high and 6 meters wide and rotating around their axis means they can create various spatial ensembles. The arrangement of panels in two rows forms a new double alternating ring inside the existing layers of buildings. The outer row consists of full panels, while the inner panels are covered in mesh. The inner layer of panels forms a boundary around the central space and enables activities to be held for a great number of people. In between the rows of panels, spaces of different sizes can be organized depending on the demands of current users. Along the sides, between the panels, trees are arranged in such a way as to contrast with the alternating positions of the panels.
Materials, urban furniture and vegetation
The panels' bearing structure is made of steel and aluminum profiles and its secondary structure of aluminum rods. The panels from the outer row are cladded with colored aluminum sheets and the inner row of panels is filled with mesh onto which removable benches can be fixed. The ground is covered in pink asphalt (divided in 8 by 8 meter sections). Linear lighting is fixed on the upper edges of the panels (two lightings, each one is 1 meter long) and spot lighting is arranged on the ground between the panels and towards the entrance of the block in the Patačićkina Street. Tree alleys are formed by the acacia trees (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera').
The block is located in the downtown area, near the city center. The block consists of two concentric rings of buildings – the outer one hosting buildings of residential use and the inner containing offices. The traffic density and the circulation of a great number of people in the city center are in contrast with the introverted and calm urban oasis found inside of the block.
Program
The block is located in the vicinity of the Design District and also accessible to several schools and cultural facilities, such as the Croatian Association of Artists and Galleries. In view of the surrounding area, the aim is to create an inner space that accommodates similar facilities. Former offices could accommodate various workshops and courses (i.e. art, drama and music) and provide a space for associations and organizations. The end users would be people of all age groups. The project aims to include these users in the creation and alternation of its space through personal ideas, interventions, activities and events.
Concept
The space is designed according to program requirements. For a multifunctional space that complies with various activities, different time periods and changing demands, permanent changeable structures are required in order to enable its flexibility, so that this could become a space where one could create. In good weather conditions, activities and the presentation of work can also be held outside. Different types of activities (working, relaxing, presenting, exhibiting) require different setups for which flexible design is key. The so emerging spaces are not strictly defined in terms of function – their overlapping and interweaving is made possible.
Design
The flexibility of layout is achieved by the rotation of panels. Their position is defined by a grid (8 by 8 meters). Being 2 meters high and 6 meters wide and rotating around their axis means they can create various spatial ensembles. The arrangement of panels in two rows forms a new double alternating ring inside the existing layers of buildings. The outer row consists of full panels, while the inner panels are covered in mesh. The inner layer of panels forms a boundary around the central space and enables activities to be held for a great number of people. In between the rows of panels, spaces of different sizes can be organized depending on the demands of current users. Along the sides, between the panels, trees are arranged in such a way as to contrast with the alternating positions of the panels.
Materials, urban furniture and vegetation
The panels' bearing structure is made of steel and aluminum profiles and its secondary structure of aluminum rods. The panels from the outer row are cladded with colored aluminum sheets and the inner row of panels is filled with mesh onto which removable benches can be fixed. The ground is covered in pink asphalt (divided in 8 by 8 meter sections). Linear lighting is fixed on the upper edges of the panels (two lightings, each one is 1 meter long) and spot lighting is arranged on the ground between the panels and towards the entrance of the block in the Patačićkina Street. Tree alleys are formed by the acacia trees (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Umbraculifera').
