M3.RKK

Being both visible and invisible is a key factor in the existence of creative communities in exile. The project reuses a central isolated spot, accessible only through underpasses. As an enclosed garden the proposal provides shelter but with its towers points out a recognizable landmark for people and artists to gather, to create and exchange ideas.

Due to the infrastructural system regulations of the 19th-20th century, this elongated narrow city block has been dominated by a network of roads and subways, leaving only a secondary access for pedestrians and cyclists through the area.\nThe urban fabric with its nearby institutions such as the neighbouring artist village, dance academy and museums of the city park led to the design of a public park, dedicated to arts especially for underground culture, emphasizing a parallel between the two sides of the road.\nConsidering the complexity of the area, thus the feasibility of any design the plan works as an acupuncture intervention. With simple architectural gestures (a surrounding wall, an enclosed volume, 7 towers, greenery) it reacts to the current characteristics, creating an inner atmosphere differing from the outer urban jungle. \nHowever, as a future vision it also offers the possibility of a pedestrian friendly masterplan. By connecting the area with the city park on ground level through the zoo, it forms a pedestrian pathway to the city centre, which by time also carries the possibility of a multilevel park by the adaptive reuse of the ring road and the flyover system.\nThe main building itself has three levels that represent three different forms of community cooperation. On the ground floor, each block of 2 rehearsal rooms with 8-8 storage rooms share a common space while on the upper floor and the rooftop, we find open spaces. All the spaces interact with each other; sometimes by inner courtyards, sometimes by rhythmic double height spaces. \nThe other main elements of the park are the towers, they not only change the perspective of the area for the users but also form a cityscape installation rising between the road system. Throughout the design process they always had functions, that add colour to the park life and offer program opportunities.\nAmong the towers of the park, perhaps the most important one is the outstanding M3.RKK tower, which not only advertises the current cultural programs in the park., but also brings the area to life with an open-air stage at the bottom.