Cultural and Debate Centre
This is the final project I did at university. The project is part of a 3-semeser Masters programme at the department of Public Buildings at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy.
I chose this topic because I think it is important to the society in which we live today and because I think it gives the opportunity of finding a solution to a social problem.
The Cultural and Debate Centre is a meeting point of contemporary art and socio-political problems. It is a place which displays the latest trends in cutting-edge art and provokes people's emotions and thoughts. Moreover, one of the goals of this centre is to make people more patient and tolerant to the different. The values it cherishes are freedom of speech, tolerance and diversity. The programme of the centre is such that it can be used for various events and occasions - debates, lectures, seminars, trainings, concerts, theatre plays, exhibitions, performances, carnivals, balls, etc. Just like in every other public building, here as well people would come driven by common interests and problems, to share something with the others.
The site is located at one of the biggest and most important boulevards in Sofia - blvd.Tsar Boris III. The plot is currently a garden which is visited mostly by the people from the neighbourhood since the area consists primarily of residential buildings. It is a relaxing place for parents with babies, for elderly people and it has playgrounds for kids. There is also a basketball court and a few one-storey buildings in the end of the plot.
Conceptual models
These conceptual models helped me realise what I want to do with the building. The concept behind my building came from the idea that our society is in a big crisis right now. There is so much tension between the people that the energy it produces can be destructive. But I think that it can also be creative because in hard times people manage to leave their ego behind and give each other a hand. I think that in desperate times people get together and help each other. Therefore, I think my building represents our society - it is the people coming together and building their future from the remains of the past.
Situation
Ground floor plan
First floor | Plan of the roof | Underground parking
Sections and details
Elevations
Perspective section through the big hall
The big hall of the centre is the hall which will house the biggest debates, concerts, plays, carnivals, balls, etc. Due to this multifunctionality the floor can be raised to the level of the scene and the foyer. The system I chose to make this possible is called "Spiralift" and it is said to be the most econimical one in the world.
Also the rear wall of the hall can be fully opened and thus accept and welcome more people to take a look inside. To highlight the importance of the hall, the main entrance of the building is in line with the long axis of the hall. Thus, people will be attracted by the hall as soon as they enter the building.
Physical model | scale 1:250
