Čakovec Science Center
Coauthors: Lucija Grofelnik (architect), Mirta Stipeč (landscape architect)
The plot of the Science Center in Čakovec is located on the intersection of different areas of the city. Each of the surrounding areas is characterized by a specific morphology and density of construction, varying from the linearly dispersed former military barracks next to the site, the smaller family houses in the northwest, smaller apartment buildings in the southwest, shopping complexes surrounded by large parking areas in the south, and the currently unused green space of the former hippodrome to the east. Although the area along the southern edge of the plot was originally intended as part of the Science Center, a commercial building has been built on it today, which has greatly worsened the urban and ecological quality of the area.
Taking into account the ambitions of the project, especially in the wish to align with the principles of the New European Bauhaus, the Science Center building aims to both fulfill the potential of the space by compensating for some of its current shortcomings, as well as serve as a positive example for the development of other urban-forming architecture in Čakovec and the wider region. Although some of the principles of sustainable and green design are proposed and elaborated within the framework of the competition scope, it is also proposed to consider some of the approaches within a larger scope of the site, including also the former barracks with the aim of creating a more sustainable, inclusive and greener urban space. With a focus on pedestrian, bicycle and public transport, the project proposes to reduce the number of parking spaces along the roads as well as re-evaluate the necessity of all traffic routes proposed by the current plans with the aim of creating a larger number of pedestrian and bicycle routes and a comprehensive reduction in motor vehicle traffic within the wider scope. It is also proposes to affirm the existing pedestrian and park areas and green the existing roads with the aim of achieving a more pleasant pedestrian space that is more resilient to climate change.
Given the projected importance of the Science Center and its diverse program, as well as the relatively small population and size of the city of Čakovec, the project proposes an extremely flexible solution in terms of use, construction and commissioning phases, paired with flexibly designed spaces which can adapt to future needs. Instead of one large and complex building, the project proposes a complex of three interconnected volumes, each containing one of the main public functions of the Center.
The entrance volume, positioned on the western edge of the plot, consists of the public ground floor, while the upper floors contain the educational laboratory spaces. Upon entering, the visitor can decide whether to head to the laboratory spaces, descend the ramp leading to the exhibition spaces, continue straight to the Air Tunnel, or continue to the opposite end of the complex where the large lecture hall is located. In the southern part of the ground floor of the building there is also a bistro with direct access to the park and can be used outside the time regime of the Center itself.
The central volume houses the exhibition spaces and the Air Tunnel. The exhibition spaces extend over two floors. Their configuration enables a diverse and interchangeable exhibition layout by creating different ambient atmospheres. To achieve different experiences and connections with the surrounding park, the exhibition space is buried 75cm, placing the visitor in the field of view of non-human users of the outdoor space, thus enabling a different insight into the world around them.
The third, eastern volume, contains a large lecture hall, which can also be used as a separate small congress center, outside the Center’s opening hours. The upper floor of the volume houses the employees’ workspaces, while the basement floor houses the utility rooms. Given the size and importance of the program, but also due to the relatively small population of the city of Čakovec, the Science Center also offers a number of additional programs and spaces which complement the public program of the city. One of the main such spaces is the raised park/square located on the roof of the middle volume. Due to the higher required height of the Air Tunnel, the protruding structure is used as a base for film screenings during the summer months. The stands located on the roof are surrounded by a sloping park and thus provide comfort even in the summer months. The roof garden is accessible directly from the vertical core of the main building. The space also serves as an extension of the exhibition space with the possibility of placing outdoor exhibits. The second public city space proposed by the project is at the entrance of the building and represents a “void” counterpart to the three volumes. By slightly lowering part of one floor surface of the square, and equipping it with water sprinklers and mist, an attractive and entertaining public space is created that can be used for relaxation and entertainment of citizens in the summer, while in the winter it can become a public city skating rink.
