Marshal’s HQ

Project Description

Form

The building, with its range and function, consists of both the office building itself and the surrounding semi-public space. Due to the location of the site and complexity of the building, this space was located between two parts of the building, thus making the whole structure optically lighter. The exterior part outlines the cavity around the whole building, which makes it float above the heavy base and provides an outdoor terrace underneath the upper floors. The interior part is meant to be an extension of the open space around the core of the building and was designed as a transparent, multifunctional and flexible space for various purposes. To increase the sense of accessibility and the impression of consistency between the two spaces, the external green areas correspond with the winter garden inside. The only solid element of the floor are the communication cores. The base for the whole structure is a heavy, natural stone monolith, which comprises main functions of the public administration authority, with the Floor of the House in its’ very center. The solid pedestal symbolizes a foundation for all the other parts of the marshal’s office. The interior of the base opens to the main hall above.

The building fully covers the plot and is determined by its borderlines. The interiors are articulated by two atriums which play crucial role in the air circulation and are thermal buffers (collect heat in winter and provide ventilation and fresh air supplies in summer). A strong accent indicates the historic buildings height, where the main body of the building is noticeably pushed, giving space for the marshal’s office terrace. The only continuous element that rises along the whole structure is the vertical dominant with the mast on top. The whole structure, it’s heights, forms and proportion allows to lit all the rooms with natural light.

Program

The building is designed to be easily adaptable for variety of purposes. The first two floors are fully accessible and public. Various events might be organized simultaneously in diverse spaces without interfering the regular work of officials. All the facilities are fully adjusted to a wide range of uses. Flexibility and outstanding acoustic parameters was one of the key aims. A continuity and diversity of various activities within the public part of the building was an important aspect included in the program.