Cultural Center Design in a Small Community
The project site is located in a small settlement with a population of around 5,000 people, situated near a major metropolitan city with a population of over one million. The settlement benefits from direct transportation links to the city, making it a viable commuter town and cultural hub.
Design Concept
The cultural center is designed with two interconnected wings in a complex, parabolic layout, forming an enclosed courtyard with a total area of 1,000 square meters. This courtyard serves as the main entry point and can host public events, enhancing the community's engagement with the building. The entire structure spans an area of 88m x 58m in plan, with variable building heights across each wing (from ground level up to 20 meters), accommodating both single and double-story sections.
Construction and Technical Specifications
Key technical solutions include:
Structural Framework: Reinforced concrete columns, beams, and slabs.
Walls: Aerated concrete blocks (UDK Omni Blok 500, thickness 400mm).
Wall Insulation: Mineral wool insulation (density 140 kg/m³, thickness 100mm, thermal conductivity λ=0.04 W/m·°C).
Foundation Insulation: Extruded polystyrene insulation (density 35 kg/m³, thickness 100mm) extending 0.5m below ground level.
Roofing: Two types of roofing systems are employed:
Type 1: Tiled roof with ceramic-granite tiles on a rigid cement-sand layer.
Type 2: Green roof with soil, vegetation, and a drainage layer.
Facade Finishing: Insulated render system for enhanced thermal performance.
Windows, Doors, and Facades: Metal-plastic and aluminum frames.
Functional Layout
The total floor area of the cultural center is 2,134.9 square meters, distributed across two main levels:
Ground Floor
Cafe Area: Seats 100, with a bar and fully equipped kitchen.
Conference Hall 1: Capacity of 100 seats.
Exhibition Hall: Flexible space for various exhibitions and displays.
Multifunctional Studios: Designed for diverse social activities, from private artist studios to drama and dance classes.
Technical Facilities: Supporting the building’s operational needs.
Second Floor
Conference Hall 2: Capacity of 200 seats, featuring a podium.
Additional Multifunctional Studios: Providing additional creative and community space.
Access to Rooftop Terrace: Expansive access to the building’s green roof and tiled terrace areas.
The building's two-winged roof structure is designed as an accessible space, taking into account barrier-free access. The larger wing’s roof ascends from ground level to the second floor, providing seamless access to different levels via ramps with regulated slopes for wheelchair accessibility. The smaller wing’s roof connects to the main hall on the second floor and can be accessed by stairs and an elevator. Both rooftop terraces include strategically placed steps and ramps, ensuring full accessibility to the highest points of the structure.
This cultural center aims to serve as a modern, multifunctional hub, fostering community interaction, cultural engagement, and accessibility for all members of the public.
