Port Of Displacement
Competition
Authors:
Mindaugas Arlauskas, Mantas Kitkauskas, Zacharoula Loizou, Jokūbas Platūkis, Julija Vaitiekūnaitė, Gabrielius Varnelis
Date:
2020
Location:
Mariupol, Ukraine
Area:
3,000 m²
Type:
Cultural
Port of displacement is an anthropological design research that investigates how the use of the existing building and its collective value can help to create Port of Cultures - a new cultural centre in Mariupol.
After the separatist and military fight, the existing building remained in a critical condition. Instead of a complicated renovation or demolishing and building a brand new building, we proposed a displacement concept. In this case, the bricks and mortar of the existing building are disassembled and reused in parts of the new intervention.
The Gabion baskets with large pieces of debris are used for the new exterior, reclaimed bricks support new core and small debris is used for terrazzo floor. Displaced materials not only reduce construction waste, save energy resources but also bring new meaning. This leads to process orientated approach allowing the existing old and the new identity to reach a consensus.
All the necessary functions for optimal use are provided within the new envelope: gallery spaces with generous ceiling heights, new core with improved circulation flows, public areas for large gatherings, wide openings for city panoramas. The new backbone of the whole structure guarantees that the rest of the building can span free without any interruption. The flexible layout of the building allows multiple ways of organising events and exhibitions.
