MVRDV has released details of their proposed renovation of a 19th-century listed building on Slodowa Island in Wroclaw, Poland. The “Concordia Hub” will see the retention of the existing façade, with the addition of a contemporary rear extension to “create a focal point” for the general public and visitors.
The site’s former use as a German artillery base in 1945 means almost all of the island’s structures were destroyed in the closing months of World War II. The Concordia Hub scheme seeks to preserve one of the only surviving heritage structures on the island, while transitioning the building into the modern age.
https://www.archdaily.com/903159/mvrdv-proposes-respectful-renovation-for-19th-century-heritage-building-in-wroclaw-polandNiall Patrick Walsh
New images have been released of the $925million (£700million) redevelopment of west London’s Olympia Exhibition Centre, designed by Heatherwick Studio and SPPARC Architecture. The project will see an extensive renovation of the existing exhibition halls, and the addition of creative offices, studios, and co-working space.
The 130-year-old center will be transformed into a creative hub with 2.5 acres of public space, intended to “support ambitious enhancement to focus on creative industries, entrepreneurship, and new green space for community and visitors.”
https://www.archdaily.com/897589/heatherwick-studio-and-spparc-transform-19th-century-london-exhibition-hall-into-creative-hubNiall Patrick Walsh
Stefano Boeri Architetti has released images of their proposed renovation of Matera Central Station in Southern Italy. Matera Central FAL railway station will be structurally altered through an “aesthetic and functional redevelopment together with technological upgrading of the railway itself.”
The proposal seeks to alter the existing hierarchy of space in the city by making the transport hub a genuine and significant urban landmark, rather than simply an infrastructural node. The scheme is therefore designed to incorporate a recognizable, pedestrianized public square, forming connections with the nearby historic city center.
London-based AL_A has been appointed for their first Scottish commission: the $55million (£42million) transformation of the PaisleyMuseum. The brief calls for the revitalization of the home of Paisley’s textile heritage, natural history and art and science collections.
The museum’s transformation is a flagship project for a $135million (£100million) investment in cultural venues by the council governing the city of Paisley, in preparation for a UK City of Culture 2021 bid legacy.
https://www.archdaily.com/894869/al-a-selected-for-$55million-renovation-and-extension-of-scotlands-paisley-museumNiall Patrick Walsh