Nichtoffener Wettbewerb | 06/2014
Arvo Pärt Centre / Arvo Pärdi Keskuse
©Allied Works Architecture
Approach to Arvo Pärt Centre.
Between stone and sky
2. Preis
Preisgeld: 8.000 EUR
Architektur
Erläuterungstext
Allied Works’ design for the new Arvo Pärt Centre is defined by the conversation of earth and sky, at the intersection of stone and light. The 2,270 gsm building inscribes the earth with a calligraphy of stone, defining the Centre’s domain within the conifer forest. Stone paving rises to walls and terraces, moving up from the earth to define spaces of differing proportion and scale, both intimate and public. It is a primary act of making, modeling the datum of gravity with the mass and permanence of masonry. Above, a flowing form rises and falls, lightly touching the ground. Floating over stone, a wooden roof reaches up to invite light down through the forest to occupy the space below the canopy. This structure finds its form both in the life of the spaces below and the quality of light it provides.
Beurteilung durch das Preisgericht
Between Stone and Sky has a creative conceptual idea and a strong professional design. It is a beautiful interpretation of Estonian national architecture and shows great respect to local natural building materials. Strong stone walls and stone labyrinths create a beautiful contrast with the sculpted wooden roofs. The space is very concentrated, creating a calm and focused room experience. There is a strong sense of symbolism and timelessness in the design.
The energy sustainability seems to be well justified, but the question remains if the relatively dark and low rooms with a concentrated and closed atmosphere are best suited to the aims of the centre and spirit of Arvo Pärt ́s music. The locations of the windows and working rooms according to the cardinal points is essential in Estonian climate; therefore placing no windows to the south-side and working rooms to the north might find a better alternative solution. The jury also finds the auditorium to be too closed off. The greatest challenge for Between Stone And Sky is how its beautiful roof acts as a dome-like solution over the building, whilst the forest itself acts like a dome already. The jury questioned how a wooden sloped roof could hold up over time when exposed to a shady pine forest canopy during our winters and prolonged thaw periods.
The energy sustainability seems to be well justified, but the question remains if the relatively dark and low rooms with a concentrated and closed atmosphere are best suited to the aims of the centre and spirit of Arvo Pärt ́s music. The locations of the windows and working rooms according to the cardinal points is essential in Estonian climate; therefore placing no windows to the south-side and working rooms to the north might find a better alternative solution. The jury also finds the auditorium to be too closed off. The greatest challenge for Between Stone And Sky is how its beautiful roof acts as a dome-like solution over the building, whilst the forest itself acts like a dome already. The jury questioned how a wooden sloped roof could hold up over time when exposed to a shady pine forest canopy during our winters and prolonged thaw periods.
©Allied Works Architecture
Auditorium.
©Allied Works Architecture
Foyer.
©Allied Works Architecture
View from Tower.
©Allied Works Architecture
Concept sketch.
©Allied Works Architecture
Model photo
©Allied Works Architecture
Floor Plan.
©Allied Works Architecture
Site Plan