Sluzewski Culture Centre

A grass-roots cultural center existed on the site, housed in makeshift construction barracks. Poor but thriving, it hosted many events that integrated the local community. Children were drawn to the petting zoo with its population of goats. A competition was organized to upgrade the facilities. The new center is a continuation of the former. Scattered, small-scale volumes clad in wood and a wind turbine were inspired by the once-existing local farmsteads. Goats roam freely between the art workshops. A lowered amphitheater is a gathering spot for local residents and outdoor activities. The Sluzewski Cultural Center is an extrapolation of all of the context parameters. It is a continuation of an existing cultural center with the same approach & an urban farming program, intergenerational mix and strong emphasis on outdoor activities in the park it is situated in. Its architecture is inspired by traditional farmsteads that once existed in this area before its urbanization. Archetypical houses with sloped wooden roofs have glazed walls that offer lines of sight into the park. Scattered above ground, they are united below with the core program. The rooflines adhere to the six-meter height limit while providing a permeable volume. The site is open with only a piece of land fenced out for grazing goats. An underground sewage pipe runs through the rectangular site. Being a crucial piece of infrastructure, it was necessary to leave emergency access to it. Hence a lowered amphitheater was formed, separating the center into two parts with facing entrances and public space in between. The smaller volume generates culture & it houses art workshops, a photo studio and a multimedia center. The larger volume is for consuming this culture & it includes a multiuse theater and a two hundred seat concert hall, a dance studio, gallery, café, community club and administrative offices. Functions with natural light requirements are placed in the above ground volumes or lit through the amphitheater glass walls. Skylights provide additional daylight throughout the underground buildings.

A wind turbine is situated by the entrance and powers outside lighting. An urban garden with a compost heap and playground complement the building. The entire building is wheelchair accessible. Cyclist routes and parking are an integral part of the building and surroundings. A small boardwalk crisscrosses nearby reeds. All of these design elements are used for educational workshops about sustainability. Size: 2100 m²