Štefan Moravčík Slovakia // Selce Number of proposals: 4
NOMINATIONS
Nomination 1
Nomination 2
Mlynica - brownfield conversion GutGut info@gutgut.sk Reasons: Seeking new potential for neglected industrial sites. A true experiment verifying in practice if brownfield can be viably integrated into both a full-fledged urban environment and city life. In addition, it tests society’s ability and readiness to accept and identify with new programme and site specific architecture. Although Mlynica is not the first brownfield conversion in Slovakia, it is one of the "most radical" makeovers, considering the starting point. With minimal compromises, the authors have accepted the environment’s industrial essence, aesthetics and functionality. The building of Mlynica is part of a large postindustrial area of Light Building Materials in Bratislava. Until not so long ago, developers hardly had any interest in the plant. But fortunately, the long-abandoned site on Turbínová street did not suffer the fate of so many, often more valuable industrial complexes. The architectural design builds on the structural logic of the original building.
Trnava "Courtyard" Vallo Sadovsky Architects matus@vallosadovsky.sk Reasons: A new multipurpose, cultural space right in the centre of Trnava. Complex revitalisation and integration of historical section of the urban structure. Project joins historical burgher houses and their courtyards together into a single interconnected complex. It is a multifaceted and extensive project placed in the complicated conditions found in the core of the city. Various building structures, complicated spatial connection, the poor technical condition found in many of the original buildings, courageous visions... starting point was not straightforward and simple. The right mix of enthusiasm, courage and capabilities has in the end helped to create and bring something rarely found in Slovakia - comprehensive revitalisation of the city’s integrated historical neighbourhood. All this while preserving the diversity typical for its growing historical core. The result is an integration of new and old, contemporary and the past in a single, compact solution.
des g bu ds o t e st uctu a og c o t e o g a bu d g The reinforced concrete frame filled with porous concrete masonry attracted an investor willing to experiment and take a risk on bringing less common clientele. GutGut, Bratislava based studio, was directly approached. It came as no surprise in light of the studio's previous projects, including several high-quality conversions and refurbishments. Mlynica was altered to become an administrative, cultural and residential complex. It has sufficiently adaptable space to respond to recent demands for flexible working environments, event spaces and loft apartments. Although common outside Slovakia, this proven mix of functions and the effort to create a community environment is relatively novel here. Typologies in Mixed-Use are underlined by the site's strong identity. While new ceilings and partitions have been built into the seven-storey skeleton of the former factory building, the architects have preserved the original, generously-sized floor plan. The ground floor features a central hall with universal event space that can be reached from the street and is dominated by the bottom end openings of pyramidshaped hoppers. The upper floors contain vivid mix of various office spaces. Finally, six lofts are located in the two top stories. The architects have clearly handled the reinforced concrete skeleton (and filler wall masonry), inserting any new filling only in the existing frame. The loadbearing construction is complemented by new, transparent partitions and softwood panels. Technical building equipment is routed externally and visible. The contrast of old and new highlights both the building original construction and material, which the architects opted to incorporate into their design Yet the building has been rid
co te po a y a d t e past a s g e, co pact so ut o Several approaches were applied here. They ranged from a preservation of protected historical heritage to a new, autonomous statement. All three principles of working in historical environments were employed here: reconstruction, replication and addition, while always striving for a balanced dialogue among all elements. No mechanical "pamphlet" approach was taken, but rather there was respect for "undeniable historical values". An intriguing precedent, showing an approach not dealing primarily with the details, but instead looking for the form a reasonable urban structure should take. Working with space in a city where different creative processes coexist in balance with each other. Protective and self-confident, architectural, analytical and creative… The aim has been to create a balanced, functional whole, attractive to people, viable and not in the very least sustainable. Bibliography: 1. https://www.archinfo.sk/diela/obcianskastavba/nadvorie-trnava-stefanikova-ulica.html 2. https://www.archdaily.com/899175/nadvorie-vallo-sadovskyarchitects 3. PIŠTEKOVÁ, Danica. 2018. Nádvorie, Trnava. In ARCH on architecture and other culture, technicalscience magazine vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 40-47. ISSN 13353268. 4. https://www.asb.sk/architektura/urbanizmus/nadvorie-trnava
incorporate into their design. Yet the building has been rid of anything unnecessary. So the original interior surfaces remain uncovered and are now presented in their true, unrefined form. The decaying industrialised part's location near city center gives it the potential for further development. Time will tell whether Mlynica triggers a transformation of brownfield land formerly used for manufacturing to a more sophisticated form of creative industry. But it looks promising. In the short time since the site was opened, Mlynica has become one of the most lively, active and sought-after locations in the city’s alternative cultural scene. Bibliography: 1. https://www.archinfo.sk/diela/obcianskastavba/mlynica-bratislava-konverzia-industrialnehoobjektu.html 3. http://www.gutgut.sk/MLYNICA 3. https://www.archdaily.com/894527/the-mill-gutgut 4. https://www.asb.sk/architektura/realizacie/revitalizaciastarej-mlynice-a-sila 5. ZAIČEK, Martin. 2018. Mlynica, Turbínová ulica, Bratislava. In ARCH on architecture and other culture, technical-science magazine vol. 23, no. 1-2, pp. 48-51. ISSN 1335-3268.
Nomination 3
Nomination 4
A home for grandparents and nine grandchildren Compass mato@compass.sk Reasons: A detached house to spend a viable retirement… A modern classic. Contemporary and yet with traces of the
Protest Stand - site specific instalation 2021 Architects 19@2021.sk Reasons: Architecture does not have to take up a lot of space to be attractive. The design the architect uses can be
masters of 20th century modern architecture. Such “conservatism” would like to be seen by us more often in Slovakia. Making such as puristic design requires certain skill. There is no tolerance for amateurism and a lack of professionalism. Any mistake or neglect in detail is going to mercilessly show. Nothing can be “hidden”. Nowhere. Either someone knows how to do it, or they can’t. In this case, architects obviously know, even with such shades like the sympathetic tension between the new (architecture) and the old (specific elements presented in the interior). In this case, the architecture is a basic, long-lasting, unchangeable physical framework. It is able to accept and absorb various new elements its residents bring over time, characterising their individual preferences and personality traits. Accessories and features will come and go. Those that work will find their own place, while those that fail to become viable will be “let go”. Even neutral, minimalist modern architecture can be vibrant, dynamic, intriguing, and tailored to the personalities and preferences of its users. And still much more than strong, expressively stylised and composed buildings. A good alternative to what is normally built. Unpretentious, rational and yet distinctive and elegant. It would be great to have as many such houses as possible for grandparents, and grandparents for these homes. Bibliography: 1. https://www.archinfo.sk/diela/rodinnydom/rodinny-dom-jarovce-dom-pre-starych-rodicov-adevat-vnucat.html 2. http://www.compassatelier.com/projekt/rd-jarovce 3 https://www.archdaily.com/896710/family-house-jarovcecompass-architekti. 4. BACOVÁ, Andrea. 2018. Rodinný
interesting, stimulating and socially engaging even in the most modest architectural scale. 2018 is a significant year for both Slovakia and the Czech Republic. It marks the hundredth anniversary of the establishment of Czechoslovakia, where the successful path toward democracy in 1918 began. On this occasion, historical experiences are reviewed, including the efforts toward emancipation that culminated in the establishment of two separate republics and their subsequent successful integration into Europe and the EU. The last century was dynamic, spirited, often turbulent, although it has been successful for both nations from today's point of view. On the occasion of the anniversary, a small architectural work was created - Protest Stand. This exterior intervention had not first been planned to represent protests. It was rather a challenge thrown down to think. It symbolises themes worth pointing out to passers-by. And that nothing is ever clear. There are always many possible interpretations. It demonstrates that people may be affected civilly and discreetly, besides all official and formal actions. Despite its simplicity, the form itself is a convincing urban element complementing the environment. Every day, people walk by it and may touch it. They can (after taking a few more steps that really lead nowhere) gain perspective; perhaps a different perspective than usual. It can be a subtle stimulus on one hand, initiating intimate contemplation. But on the other hand, it can also be a podium for making an inflammatory speech (and even to find listeners :-). The stand was created to be a site-specific installation for the Prague Landscape Festival. The event was organised by the Jaroslav Fragner Gallery. This year’s festival joined the
dom, Bratislava-Jarovce. In ARCH on architecture and other culture, technical-science magazine vol. 23, no. 6, pp. 30-33. ISSN 1335-3268.
“Prague Wilderness” with a series of smaller works set in an urbanised landscape. The Protest Stand, created by Bratislava studio 2021 found its own spot in Vítkov’s landscape. “Public space serve also for chanting, waving candles, mobiles and banners, and expressing disapproval with silly, amoral attitudes.” is what the description says, “The stand memorialises everybody that once did it." Its geometry and technical design brings to mind a speaker’s outdoor podium - ladder, staircase, pulpit, stands, balcony or window to the square. This is a protest stand. It is a bit in front of the crowd and a bit above them. There are many other interpretations that would fit, and quite a few are entertaining. Anyone can choose the one that suits them best. Bibliography: 1. https://www.archinfo.sk/diela/exterier/protestnystupienok.html 2. http://2021.sk/sk/protestny-stupienokvitkov-praha/
Nominator Štefan Moravčík Signature:
Nomination 1: Mlynica - brownfield conversion Photography: BoysPlayNice
Nomination 2: Trnava"Courtyard" Photography: BoysPlayNice
Nomination 3: A home for grandparents and nine grandchildren Photography: BoysPlayNice
Nomination 4: Protest Stand Photography: 2021