Center for art, culture, education and science
Inspiration
1. the classical composition of the mass
2. the landscape of the Somogy Hills
3. the industrial character of the bread factory
Concept
Following the ambition of the developers we created a new and unique world around the old factory and connected the new complex with the surrounding country. The program was complex and grandiose but at the same time it was important that it was in proportion with the existing building.
Beside gratifying the program and the local regulation our goal was to design a well-proportioned mass, that doesn't compete with the existing building. Therefore we designed a completely different new wing, that whirls around the factory like the waving, undulating landscape of the Somogy Hills. This contrast makes the complex so interesting. The existing building has a lot of qualities and a certain industrial character, therefore it has to be renovated to become the central part of the new art center. The atmosphere of the old factory captures the visitors' attention, the flour tower and the new wings will be the icon of the complex.
Positions of the functions
We designed a complex that encloses the existing building like a ribbon. Inside the different functions are placed in a logical manner. The meeting-point links the different functions (exhibition rooms, theater, conference, informing and education units).
Here is also the entrance area, where all of the commercial, gastronomical, administrative and serving functions can be found. The rooms of the four different units can be used together or separately due to the combination of the space and program.
Architecture
The building complex has a mystic atmosphere and invites the people to explore it. The (presence of the) genius loci -the spirit of place- can be felt immediately, the old and the new parts complete each other and make a whole.
The transition between the outside and inside places is continuous, the lines of sight are very important to experience the building. The vertical and horizontal holes make the rooms light and lure the visitors.
The connections between the inside places and the atriums are very intensive. Because of the filtered light the rooms are suitable for exhibitions. The external walls open up at the important places for example at the entrance to the atrium, at the theater/gallery to the town and at the science exhibition to the atrium and the factory.
The sculptured park, that surrounds the existing building, was an important part of the concept and it gives extra quality to the art center.
Areas of the functions
Entrance area 1226 m2
Art unit 4698 m2
terrace 177 m2
Information center 3281 m2
Education unit 1512 m2
Gastronomical, commercial and administrative unit 2011 m2
terrace 225 m2
Parking lot 6298 m2
Total 8690 m2
Images
