MArch creative adaptation unit 2012

Creative Adaptation Castle Borl, Slovenia This project investigated options for the redevelopment of the buildings and grounds of a disused castle in Slovenia near the town of Ptuji. It was initiated via a multinational collaborative research project funded by European Union as an Erasmus Intensive Program (IP).

Twelve students were selected to attend a two week workshop in Ptuji together with students from four other European universities. Themes of investigation included; the reuse of cultural heritage; strategy of transformation; architectural & functional reorganisation; strategies for wider spatial planning to develop the infrastructure and economy of the vicinity; sustainable design-principles; aspects of sustainable landscaping; management of the transformation process; techniques and skills for the renovation of listed buildings.

On their return individual schemes were developed in greater detail.

Stirling Foundation and Archive

The castle was first mentioned in 1199. It stands on a steep rocky ledge 60 metres above an ancient pass over the Drava River. The German name ‘Anchenstein’ or ‘Ankenstein’ means anchor which refers to the pass where the river was crossed.

The Hungarian word ‘Bornyl’ also means pass. Among its numerous owners were the Ptuj feudal lords, and after them the Herbersteins, Turns, Sauers and others.

During World War II the castle was an internment camp, and after the war it was converted into a hotel. Later it was emptied and abandoned.

The Castle is associated with a number of mythical narratives such as one that Gandin, the grandfather of Percival (one of King Arthur’s legendary Knights of the Round Table), was the feudal lord of the castle.

Ian Wroot

School of Art & Design Liverpool John Moores University

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Musical epic to future vision: Cultural centre for musical exchange The aim of this project was to revive an old Castle with unique historical significance in that of the story of Percival. The main vision for a catalyst for regeneration was through the use of tourism, this was to be achieved using the main idea of creating a pedestrian route from the main town of Ptuj to Castle Borl looking at the historical development to produce abstract representations of significant and traumatic events within its history. These events form a series of follies within the landscape that are explored on the journey to the castle through the application of music, forming a timeline to a future vision of music and visual art when you reach the Castle. The main design concept for the Castle consists of three historical elements in that of the bridge, the original walkway and the tower that was located on the terrace watching over the bridge, these elements have been recreated as representations using the same materials as the follies on the journey to form a visual connection along the route. The final part of the design concentrated on the third historical element in that of the fallen tower, the concept for this was to produce an abstract representation of a traumatic event, creating a subterranean space linking back to the story of Percival and the caves and recreating the lookout space for contemplation of the journey taken.

Tony O’Meara

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Soundscape: An acoustic academy The design for the acoustic academy invokes an inspiring journey throughout, transforming raw timber into musical wooden instruments. By enhancing the existing spaces, the visual experience becomes an auditory one. The surrounding landscape becomes the soundscape, this is utilised when showcasing the qualities of timber and embracing the many forms it can take. Workshops allow luthiers and craftsmen to create bespoke instruments from timber. Sound sensitive rooms and adaptable spaces allow the architecture of the building to become an instrument itself, and the spaces within to be fine tuned like an instrument. This creates a very desirable practice, testing and teaching resource for enthusiasts and tourists worldwide whilst also accommodating the local community.

The interventions not only reveal and connect five naturally acoustic spaces the castle has to offer, but unify the interior and exterior spaces. This allows the sum of all parts to be greater than the whole.

The most pivotal intervention relates to the introduction of a flexible performance space which also serves as a cafe. The cafe is facilitated by the original castle kitchen. This key space utilises previously inaccessible negative space perched at the cliff edge, whilst also capitalising on the panoramic views the site is exposed to. The ability of the kinetic facade to slide, fold, and rotate complements and enriches the performance space at the castle. It exists as an acoustically and environmentally responsive space, which utilises the surrounding resources including the natural material and acoustic qualities of Castle Borl and the surrounding soundscape.

Kelly Gormley

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Feeling & Healing This project re-interprets the story of its founder Parzival, key member of King Arthur’s ‘Knights of the Round Table’.

During his quest for the Grail, Parzival took refuge with his Uncle in a cave. It was only through this detachment from his journey that his path was revealed. It is then perhaps apt that the castle has been proposed as the location for a new centre of cognitive therapy, entitled “Feeling and Healing”. The project provides a refuge from the stresses of modern life, an isolated sanctuary.

The project aims to maintain and restore most of the castle, intervening in a complimentary manner where required.

The main new addition to the historic structure is a new residential wing to the South West, visible upon approach from both the road and car park. The intervention is of a rigid, longitudinal architectural language in a stark contrast to that of the existing facade. However measures have been taken to link the two visually: firstly the cladding [Corten steel] serves as a reference to the terracotta tiles of the existing roof. Secondly the 2:1 proportion of the highest windows.

In order to control glare and excessive heat gains from the sun, vertical louvres have been introduced on the South-Western facade of the new residential block. These Corten louvres will be manually operated and have a 45% perforation, so even when closed, small specks of light shine through and play on the interior spaces.

Bradely Burrow

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The Restoration Project The purpose of this project is to revive the use of a derelict Castle in Ptuj, Slovenia.

Castle Borl is of unique historical significance due to its relations to the story of Percival and his quest for the Holy Grail. The use of kinesthetic learning and also utilizing the story of percival are the main focuses in the concept of this proposal.

Through the concept of the story, tourism would be a constant income to fund the kinesthetic learning scheme. This scheme would then teach volunteers the local skills required to renovate the castle to its former self. Once this process is complete, the building would be sold and the money obtained may then fund similar projects.

The only new intervention within the castle grounds would be the introduction of an abstract interpretation of a cave that features in the story of Percival. This would be achieved by creating a subterranean space below the derelict site of the old viewing tower. This new ‘cave’ space will provide accommodation for the volunteers and also a communal, multifunctional space for volunteers, staff and visitors to use as deemed appropriate.

Kim Mountford

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Epoch of Art Ascension Castle Borl will be adapted for inhabitation by artists and creative people. Younger generations will learn through the teachings of established artists; all residing for various periods of time within the castle. Each area of the castle will contain a various type of art. Whether it is music, theatre, painting, sculpting or photography; each designated space will be restored and specialised for its specific purpose.

The public will interact with the inhabitants of the castle through workshops and group based arts. The boundary between private (artist/student) and public (visitor) will be preserved with a combination of mixed-use workshops and exclusive studios. Three main elements will tie together the cycle of art and teaching of it.

The first is the submerged exhibition, which will display works created by the artistic residents. Flexible spaces within will allow visitors to view a wide variety of artwork as they leave the castle.

The second element is the canopy roof.

This will be a simple and ephemeral structure that allows for the control of light so that projections of photography and media may occur within the masculine courtyard.

The third element of the intervention is the artists’ tower. This will be seen from a great distance because of its prominent position on the plateau where a section of the castle once existed. This area faces the nearby city of Ptuj and the tower will offer artists greater views for painting.

The three elements represent the cycle of teaching and creative thought that will pass through the castle and remain to inspire others.

Robbie Gibson

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The Performance Life is a performance, Castle Borl at present unfortunately lacks in both life and performance. Through the introduction of Music and Dance there is a strong belief that life can be restored and the Castle can be celebrated through performance.

An academy will ensure the castle is in use constantly throughout the year and the addition of performance spaces will prompt both local and international interest in the castle. A sensitive design approach has been taken allowing the existing building to flourish whilst key interventions do not shadow or take away from the building, but aim to enhance its image and create a new identify for the castle and Slovenia.

Not forgetting the Castle’s history, the story of Parzival and much more. The introduction of a newly added pedestrian walkway allows the visitors to experience these historical tales and provides views towards Ptuj and key points on Parzival’s journey to the Castle. The existing courtyard will be enclosed, creating a year round performance space which can be used for both in house and external performances.

Musically related installations are installed throughout the public areas of the castle which allow the visitors to experience castle Borl in a unique way, through the body. Intricate design details allow this to occur without any real effort from the visitor and create a castle experience found nowhere else.

Ciaran Quigley

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Writers Retreat To suit the isolated context of the castle I propose a writers retreat. A centre of literature excellence, providing teaching, performance and events space.

The retreat will accommodate 250 students; during events the castle will facilitate another 300 people.

There are a limited number of bedrooms which will accommodate visiting lectures and Teaching staff. The teaching/learning facilities include workshop rooms, medium lecture room, large lecture room, Library, Private reading rooms, Study rooms and Meeting Rooms. The events can be held in either of the two events spaces. There is also catering facilities including a kitchen, restaurant and lounge area. There are multi use spaces inside and outside the castle walls; these are to provide open teaching space, and performance space. The Castle has been restored into a vibrant centre for developing writing skills, the plan and circulation is designed in such a way to encourage students to learn from each other, but also provides isolated space to allow each student to create. The new design is sympathetic to the existing castle, insertion of the reading rooms and reception area under the garden is subtle, but provides a visitor an exciting entrance. The Materials used are that of the existing, but also glass creating a transparent inviting quality to the entrance. The introduction of a roof over the feminine courtyard has provided an internal circulation space, with the opportunity to socialise or study.

Materials used are timber as Slovenia is 50% forest, also glass to allow natural light to filter into the space, to manage the light quality during the day there will be fabric blinds incorporated into he the roof, this will reduce glare and help improve the comfort of the user. The restoration of this historic castle has left me with confidence that Castle Borl Writers Retreat will full fill its role as an important landmark for literature not only nationally but internationally.

Jenny Anderson

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