Winning proposal in architectural competition
AOCR cooperation with INDEKS
Authors: Michal Oborný, Michal Vršanský, Andrej Drgala
The building in Trenčín (Slovakia) is divided into three wings corresponding to its principal functional components. The cultural centre facilities are located in the northwestern wing, while the community centre and café occupy the southeastern wing, directly adjoining the park along 28. októbra Street. These are connected by a central service wing accommodating the operational support spaces—including backstage facilities, changing rooms, rehearsal rooms, and sanitary facilities—which can be shared by both functions and efficiently serviced from the existing service road located behind the National Bank building.
Within the heterogeneous and poorly defined urban context of the housing estate—whose original open spatial composition has been compromised by the uncoordinated placement of new buildings—we believe it is essential that the cultural centre, through its massing and the orientation of its individual functions and entrances, establishes a clear spatial hierarchy in its surroundings. Redefining the building's "front" and "back" forms the fundamental premise of the design.
We consider the existing marketplace to be the most attractive public space within the site. Even if the surface parking area is replaced in the future by an underground parking garage, as envisaged by the zoning plan, the significance of the marketplace as the principal public space linking the park along 28. októbra Street with the anticipated public space above the garage will only increase.
Accordingly, the principal façade and public frontage of the cultural centre are oriented towards this space. The courtyard (atrium) of the proposed building opens directly onto the marketplace, creating the opportunity for cultural and community activities to extend naturally into the public realm.
Conversely, the space between the National Bank building and the cultural and community centre—currently serving as the building's main entrance—will assume the character of a service and access route.
The proposed colonnade along the southwest and southeast façades serves both as an urban design element, creating a transitional buffer between the interior and exterior, and as passive solar protection, reducing overheating of the sun-exposed façades.
The building is divided into three wings corresponding to its principal functional components. The cultural centre facilities are located in the northwestern wing, while the community centre and café occupy the southeastern wing, directly adjoining the park along 28. októbra Street. These are connected by a central service wing accommodating the operational support spaces—including backstage facilities, changing rooms, rehearsal rooms, and sanitary facilities—which can be shared by both functions and efficiently serviced from the existing service road located behind the National Bank building.
Facing the atrium is the main foyer, which is directly connected to the exhibition spaces. These are conceived as a natural extension of the courtyard, allowing for maximum visual and physical integration between indoor and outdoor activities.
The main auditorium (Hall A) is designed to allow its capacity and function to expand into the foyer, providing greater flexibility for a wide range of cultural and social events.
Storage areas and technical facilities are located in the basement level.