The architectural proposal for the block of buildings at No.8, No. 9 and No. 10 Franciscan Square deals with restoration and addition to an existing structure offering new possibilities in terms of usage and spatial arrangement. The essence of idea lies in the nature of the historical environment of the Old Town of Bratislava seen in the principles of layering of new shapes, volumes and functions. In this case the oldest layers go back to Middle Ages when the foundations of the town were laid.
The 21th century layer is added in the form of new feature respecting the old structure without being replica of historical fabric. This so called “leg” connects all levels terminating at the highest level creating its own world at the top. Follow the break for more renderings and a brief of Frantiskanske Square.The restoration approach is based not only on purification of the existing fabric and bringing buildings to their original state (architectural elements, shapes). Emphasis is put on creating harmony between the attractive historical environment and new dynamic design elements. The design provides for the interaction and mutual coexistence of both by means of added spatial elements, pursing the spirit of place, instead of trying to change it. Recent products, materials are used within the new structures while paraphrasing traditional building workmanship (the wall with openings). The relationship between all levels from the bottom to the roof level is established by means of slots in the masonry scattered all around the “leg”.The nature of created ambient, marrying old and new, is apparent to the visitor by means of activities in new attractive premises thus ensuring favourability and occupancy. The proposed layout remains flexible and provides for variability of space arrangements. The whole complex is designed to provide for flexibility in use and its ability to adjust according to clients requirements. (Location of sanitary accommodation and arrangement of vertical ductwork).Restaurants and retail facilities are located on the main ground floor bringing it to life and interconnecting it with the adjoining square. At the same time it provides access to the inside of the block – the place of entertainment and cultural events with entrances to the rental space formed by the volume of the “leg” and the volume of existing buildings stripped from the additional embellishments with emphasize on extg vaults. The “leg” then rises to the roof level becoming a dominant feature of the whole block.
Lower levels are dedicated to culture (gallery, club, museum, exhibitions). Middle floors are proposed as offices and are interconnected with conference areas formerly belonging to Devin bank. The top floor remains flexible with the possibility of divisions using light partitions. The internal space reflects the outer shape of the proposed building.All pipe work in this section is led in the walls and floors thus enabling even more variability. This part of the building is fully air conditioned, because of its location within the block. There is a possibility of a small cinema or conference room with capacity of 100 people with access to the roof terrace and view of the panorama of the city with Bratislava Castle