Bratislava Culenova by Zaha Hadid Architects
An extremely inventive way to redesign a city around a decommissioned power plant is the example of Bratislava's new project for its city center, expanding on a gross surface of 150,000 square meters. The architecture studio , in charge of the operation, idealizes the complete renovation of this unused patch of land, with the intention of transforming it in a dynamic field of circular and elliptical patterns. The finished work will provide a modern and clean public space for the Slovakian citizens giving availability of livable green areas and residential as well as office buildings.
At first sight, the structure seems like nothing the city has ever hosted, its unique yet radical contemporary design imposing and distracting from its surroundings. But after a careful look around, it is clear how the construction plan perfectly adapts to the environment in which it is placed, with the tallest towers intentionally built towards the perimeter of the plot and the mid-rise structures in its inner section, better accommodating to the human scale. Users are especially engaged in the use of the parks thanks to several sculptural circulation elements built in the green spaces, which harmoniously tie all of the buildings together.
The result, in its completeness, is of a fluid vision of white skyscrapers and green patches, a flash of modernity and energy emerging from a desolate, grey district. Enhancing its great practicality, an underground car parking is included in the project, as long as spaces for retailing, conference and event halls, a cultural center and a museum shop. In various strategic points, the site's perimeter has either been raised to allow easier access to its facilities, or merged with the surrounding city level, achieving an ideal balance between outright originality and link to the existing urban fabric.
