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Published on Archi.ru (https://archi.ru) |
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| 30.07.2024 | |
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Periscope by the Bay |
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Alyona Kuznetsova |
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| Studio: | |
| Gorshunov Architecture Bureau GORA | |
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The jury awarded the second place in the competition for a public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the companies GORA (“Mountain”) and M4. In the consortium’s proposal, the building resembles a sperm whale with a calf swimming next to it or a periscope, whose lenses capture the most spectacular views from the surrounding landscape. The proposal by GORA and M4 secured second place in the competition for the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky Public Center. Like other finalists – Wowhaus consortium and ASADOV Architects, which took first and third places respectively – the authors of this proposal tackled the challenge of integrating the building with the hill and the bay, drawing inspiration from the region’s rich nature. The sketches show how the building’s shape was born – literally from the body of a whale, a creature that leaves no one indifferent and draws thousands of travelers to Kamchatka.  Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The identityCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA ArchitectsThe building gently curves around Nikolskaya Hill, retreating from it by 15 meters. The wider part – the “head” of the whale – faces Avacha Bay, while the narrow “tail” points towards Teatralnaya Square, guiding the pedestrians. Adjacent to the tail is a smaller volume, like a calf keeping close to its mother. Between them, there is a promenade with an amphitheater staircase, connecting the two volumes into a terraced multi-level structure, harmonious with the neighboring hill. The facades are clad in dark “scales” with a semi-matte sheen, reminiscent of the wet side of the magnificent marine animal.  Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA ArchitectsThe parts of the public center offering the most picturesque views of the ocean and the green slopes of the hill are opened up with panoramic glazing. The solid parts of the building cut out unnecessary visual noise. Thus, the visitors inside feel as if there were nothing around but water or forest – exactly what one expects when visiting Kamchatka. These “screens” give the center the appearance of a periscope.  Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The key viewsCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA ArchitectsThe building’s functional layout corresponds with the views it offers. Its “head” houses a two-level city lounge – a multipurpose hall overlooking Avacha Bay. It is expected that residents will frequently visit this place: to read a book, listen to a concert, or view an exhibition. The second floor offers access to a secluded terrace with a view of Vilyuchinsky Volcano.  Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Social and spatial modelCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. View of the Avacha bay embankmentCopyright: © GORA ArchitectsThe lounge connects to the “valley of talents” – a space that will offer a variety of leisure activities, including family-friendly options: a high climbing wall, art studios, and a dance and yoga hall. Exhibition and museum spaces on the second floor are oriented with windows towards the base of the hill. In the second-floor lobby, another breathtaking view opens up – to the sky and the arm of the galaxy.  Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-KamchatskyCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The lobbyCopyright: © GORA ArchitectsThe “calf” block is more focused on catering for the tourists. Here, there is a visitor center and the interactive “Feel Kamchatka” space with rooms that immerse visitors in the region’s features: feeling the tremors of earthquakes, the force of the wind and fog, the smells of the forest, and hearing shamanic chants. The second floor is entirely dedicated to a restaurant with views of the square and the bay, where one can literally taste Kamchatka.  Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Axonometry with the inclusion of socio-spatial relationships. 1 floorCopyright: © GORA Architects Public and cultural center in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Axonometry with the inclusion of socio-spatial relationships. 2 floorCopyright: © GORA Architects |
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