Resilient Structures

„Resilient Structures“ deals with the conversion of the abandoned structure of a brutalist hotel in former Yugoslavia into a rehabilitation center. The existing structure is perforated, while an inserted wooden structure subdivides & supports the newly arranged spaces. The design aims to restore architectural & physical resilience in comparison.

In dealing with the abandoned structure of Hotel Teuta in the Bay of Kotor, the question arose of a new, year-round use for the complex, which had previously only been used seasonally. Surrounded by the cliffs of the Orjen mountains, the heritage of a socialist modernity, seems quite adequately positioned in its expression. However, it is only in comparison with the local Venetian-style buildings that one becomes aware of the actual scale and capacity. Following on from the existing clinic for orthopaedics and neurology in the village, it is proposed to convert the building into a rehabilitation centre.\nThe structure is reduced to its statically load-bearing components. By perforating the concrete cross-walls in the transverse direction, a passageway is made possible through the centre of the building, thus breaking up the one-sided orientation of the interior spaces towards the sea. For the benefit of therapy, the rooms are now oriented alternately towards the mountains and the sea in a flowing transition, creating a strong interlocking with the surrounding nature. In addition, a supporting wooden structure was carefully introduced into the weakened concrete skeleton, which from then on should determine the character of the brutalist building. The spatial and atmospheric effect of the wooden structure is intended to have a positive influence on the regeneration process, entirely in the sense of healing architecture.\nThe two focal points of community treatment in form of hydrotherapy and movement therapy are arranged around the two courtyards on the ground floor. The spacious floor plan is designed introverted and is interlocked with the surroundings through its formulation, generating different degrees of privacy when approaching the building. In contrast, the upper floors are extroverted & oriented towards the surrounding nature. The meandering therapy and movement area serves recreation and assisted living through offers of ergotherapy, speech and movement therapy. In addition, the therapy can also be specially adapted to the patient by offering different types of living.