Name: A New Beginning

Type: Competition

Result: Awarded - 3rd-prize 

Year: 2020

Organization: Port of Cultures, Council of Mariupol // Ukrainian Government

Tipology: Refurbishment, Cultural, Museum

Surface (est.): 3800 m² 
Team: Alejandro, Angela, Eduardo

Images: act visuals

A New Beginning intends to become an important piece of the collective memory of the city, preserving the historical character of the preesxisting building, gained through the years thanks to the different events that took place there. Even if it is necessary to transform the building to accomodate its new use, we propose to do so respecting its origin and enhancing it character.

The new project aims to maintain the urban memory of the piece, by preserving the facade of the old building with its window and door rhythm, adapting it to the new use of the block. Keeping the essence of the building will let future society to be conscious of past of the city and the importance of heritage, giving the visitor the opportunity to experience its origin and development.

The adapted shell of the building is then fullfilled with five floors of program that will host the activities of Port of Culture. The program is divided taking into account the importance of the connection with the urban realm, stablishing a direct connection between indoor areas and outdoor public space thanks to the transparency of the ground level and its foldable glazing facade.

The recovered old building is finally crowned by a hightech architectural piece, that will allow the complex to be perceived as a landmark. Linked with the steel working tradition of the Mariupol area through its facade materiality, it is designed as a fluid transparent piece that looks over the surroundings, representing the future of the region, constrasting and complementing the preexisting volume while hosting events and attracting visitors.