Pikasch Architecture Studio shared this project for the Beton Hala Waterfront Center in Belgrade, Serbia. The concept for this proposal embraces the historical importance and unique natural elements of the site located in Belgrade, Serbia in the Kalemegdan Park along the river and the Brankov Bridge.
Read on for more on this project after the break.
The characteristics of the area requires the site to be a built landscape that stitches individual existing natural elements on the site together rather than objectifying the architecture formally. To find the answer one does not need to go far from the site. The solution lies in between topographical lines of the hill and traditions along the river.
With a playful modification of topographical lines will be sculpted to slide down, cover the road, and drag the tram lines along with it to create a smooth slope. A cut in this slope creates a stream along which the moving mass of people and commercial units become part of the natural forces, assembled to the reflect their weight. The physical gravity of earth and sensual gravity of river is a strong magnet that drags down people as they pass by a variety of different surfaces of terraces which are designed for different urban activities while they can fully enjoy the spectacular view.
The cut in the slope is the safe, continuous pedestrian course that connects Belgrade fortress to the top of Beton hala. It is a vivid, dynamic contemporary version of grand steps that also has the Belgrade funicular running parallel to it. Longitudinal ramps at each end of Beton hala together with the ramp incorporated with the exhibition and conference centre connect the ground level of Beton hala with the roof terrace. Usage of ramps allows continuous flow of pedestrians and cyclists along two levels of the building.
A pedestrian crossing on Karadjordjeva street connects the Kosancicev Venac area to the site. Tram stops can be found in close vicinity from where a paved pedestrian path leads people to the roof terrace. Tram lines are raised to +90,00 level at Vojvode Bojovica Boulevard and run above the tunnel from where they descend on a 6% slope toward the tram stops. The level of the road itself is not changed and it has only been covered. An access on north and an access- exit on south side of Vojvode Bojovica Boulevard and an exit-only-route on Karadjordjeva street ensures a good functionality of the three level underground car parking.
At the base of the structure a ship is docked on the river which will be an extension of the architecture’s program, symbolic of the role of the port in the development of Belgrade as a cultural, social and economic center. Placing the exhibition and conference centre on a ship in front of Beton hala will be a reminder of a century long port activity and role of Beton hala in the past and gives unique and endless options for mobility and flexibility. The Beton hala named converted barge is docking on the axis of the cut and is the end point of people’s flow where they finally meet the river. It consists of six barges of 15×50 meter. Barge is used as a base where another level is added on it. This modular system provides maximum flexibility which is vital for an exhibition and conference centre. It can be built in phases and possibilities of extension or modifications are endless. Mobility of the system indicates that a tow-boat can tow a part or the whole centre to other place temporarily. As Serbia is on runway to join European community, the Beton hala barge can play a promotional role.
