Week Ten: Building Form Inspiration

This is a recent project called the Plassen Cultural Centre by 3XN Architects located in Molde, Norway, which I found related to some of my ideas gave me some spatial inspiration:

The cultural center combines an interior concert hall surrounded by a library, cafe, exhibition space and performance areas.

"The architectural solution is a structure where almost all surfaces and spaces have more than one function."

Buildings roof and existing staircase create:

-outdoor amphitheatres

-cafe with outdoor seating

-recreational area with splendid views

-exhibition space for the building’s gallery

-staircase on the side of the building is an essential link between the city’s upper and lower districts.

Use of materials: 

By Night: the bright granite used on exterior surfaces is contrasted by a warm red light coming from the heart of the building.

By Day: "The warm color scheme of the interior combined with the solid hardwood floors and plenty of natural light result in a friendly and informal environment, which together with the many entrances make the building seem inviting and accessible to all."

"The cultural center is an obvious meeting point."

The cultural centre is a connecting device in the city, creating a link between the upper and lower districts of the city through the presence of a large existing staircase. The cultural centre has evolved this place into a social gathering area, providing cafes, entertainment, learning spaces, as well as stairs for seating and eating. The stairs are what links the whole building together and provides the building with flexibility and mutliple functions/capabilities. They provide an informal and improptu meeting spot that welcomes any pedestrian passing by to sit and have a rest. The stairs and the many entrances make the building seem inviting and accessible to all - its is nondiscrimatory and exists to be enjoyed by the whole of the city.

Source: http://www.archdaily.com/279891/plassen-cultural-center-3xn-architects/