Many architects and architectural studios took part in the competition for the design of the Center for Cultural Initiatives in Komorovo. When writing about the results of competitions, we usually only mention the winners - the first three prizes and honorable mentions. However, many of the projects presented to the competition jury are worth showing to a wider audience as well.
One of the 52 proposals submitted to the competition was the {tag:Studio} concept. The main goal of the designers was to create a cultural center that would not only fit into the space of Komorow, but also be a place to strengthen ties between residents. The Initiatives Center is not only to serve as a local cultural center, but above all to be a place to meet, spend time together, rest and recreation.
Center for Cultural Initiatives amidst greenery
The body of the CIKwK, designed by Goik Architects, refers to buildings from the 1930s. It has been enriched with modern, energy-saving and ecological solutions. The designers were inspired by the summer tradition of Komorowo settlements - the building with its appearance fits into the idyllic and peaceful character of the village.
The building also includes exhibition space, private reading areas and a sensory garden on the roof of the auditorium
© Goik Architects
The architects were keen to preserve the existing tree stand, hence the area around the Initiative Center was landscaped so as not to interfere too much with the surrounding greenery. According to the designers themselves, the building was designed as a kind of foyer for the park. The entrance hall is an extension of the designated walking paths. By the Center itself... there is a recreational zone in the form of a terrace and green space, which can be used for outdoor events. In the southern part, a zone for children and young people has been designed - a playground and skatepark. There is also a health path between the trees, where, among other things, a "green gym" has been arranged.
Modular walls
The architects wanted the Center... to be first and foremost for the residents - it is to meet their needs and expectations. Hence, both the possibility of increasing and decreasing the size of the rooms were designed, as well as hidden places allowing private time and opening to the outside of the building. Among other things, sliding walls serve this purpose. It is possible to connect the auditorium with the entrance hall, as well as to open it to the terrace and thus to the park. The building also includes an exhibition space, private reading areas and a sensory garden on the roof of the auditorium.
In the southern part, a zone for children and young people has been designed - a playground and skate park
© Goik Architects
Building between the trees
The architects made the design of the block dependent on the existing stand of trees. Due to the type of function, three main blocks with similar areas were established. The roof was divided into two parts in each lump, then the procedure of reversing the roof pitch was applied to achieve a more modernistic character of the lump. Four multi-pitched roofs were obtained, as well as a soffit roof over the auditorium. Due to the limited amount of space by the surrounding growing trees, the architects decided to design a usable attic. It is illuminated by skylights placed in the roof. The building is covered with a facade made of spruce planks arranged perpendicularly to the plot. It is complemented by large glazings on the west and south sides.
Ecologically and energy-efficient
The architects envisaged the creation of an extensive green roof. Skylights placed in the roof are intended not only to illuminate, but also to heat the attic, as well as to exhaust air from the hall and the exhibition area. A ventilated facade has been designed, which creates an additional buffer in the form of an air gap. On the north side it is solid, on the south side there are large windows. On the roof, it is planned to install photovoltaic panels and also to collect rainwater and use it in part in the restroom complexes and for park irrigation.
The installation of photovoltaic panels and also rainwater collection is planned on the roof
© Goik Architects
Interior in modernist style
The interiors correspond to the character of the building - they were designed in a simple modernist style. Wood and white rubbed concrete predominate here. "Fixed" elements - walls, ceilings and floors are white, while built-in benches, sliding walls in the halls and acoustic and roof cladding in the attic are made of wood cladding. The exception is the rhythmics room and the workshop room, where a wooden floor has been planned due to the way the rooms are used. The corners of the walls here have a rounded finish. On the first floor, cozy corners were designed with benches, greenery and sculptures. The whole is kept in a light color scheme. The indispensable and most important elements of the interior are the glazing and the view of the park, which complements the interior of the building.
See other projects submitted to the competition:
The design of the Center for Cultural Initiatives in Komorow by the 89° studio.
