Thus, the whole complex of the former factory buildings becomes a new vibrant cultural platform for Biella with up-to-date technologies, though leaving the spirit of the place undisturbed. It celebrates the traditions and craftsmanship of the region via a completely new format.
One of the noticeable «soft» elements is the «box» embedded between the columns. It is a permanent display — which tells the story of local wool processing traditions through a lens of allegorical storytelling. The whole process of wool production is presented as a dance of different air masses, holograms, mesmerizing and affecting on sensory perception of the person passing through the «box».
The essential principles of the interior solutions are the delicate interventions of «soft» elements into the peeled «shell» of the former factory and the integration into its existing layout. It is significant to highlight the contrast that these elements have only a temporary character, while the spirit of the place with its timeless unique layering will retain its independence for a long time to come.
In addition, that the construction between the existing buildings like all the spaces of the former factory offers wide variety of scenarios for use, its structure also makes it possible to hang billboards, information stands, posters or even to exhibit art pieces on the construction itself.
Entering the site of the former factory, one may be beckoned by a ramp to the second floor or by a multi-height structure, and going even deeper one may come across a bridge overhanging the river.
The large versatile construction is fit respectfully between two blocks of the factory, not touching the buildings themselves at all. It has its own freestanding structure and foundation. And it performs as a transparent exoskeleton assembled of plexus of wooden, metal, cable-stayed elements with the possibility of using it as:
· Amphitheatre for cinema, lectures, events;
· A place for gatherings and meetings;
· Multi-level podium for temporary
exhibitions.
The large versatile construction is fit respectfully between two blocks of the factory, not touching the buildings themselves at all. It has its own freestanding structure and foundation. And it performs as a transparent exoskeleton assembled of plexus of wooden, metal, cable-stayed elements with the possibility of using it as:
· Amphitheatre for cinema, lectures, events;
· A place for gatherings and meetings;
· Multi-level podium for temporary
exhibitions.
The design is aimed at maximum sustaining of the exterior with localized dismantling of superfluous layers in the interiors — preservation of the existing building — adding new elements with a wide variability for multipurpose use. Making a synergy of new and old with a very reverent relationship between them both is crucial for the design.
The honest architectural response to the problems at hand comes through the creation of a patchwork quilt. This quilt is represented as a fusion of a large overhanging structure between the buildings with its continuations as a soaring path over the stream and a way rising upstairs to the second floor of the building.
The honest architectural response to the problems at hand comes through the creation of a patchwork quilt. This quilt is represented as a fusion of a large overhanging structure between the buildings with its continuations as a soaring path over the stream and a way rising upstairs to the second floor of the building.
The buildings of the factory are self-contained, they are mesmerizing evidences of past times, when even industrial buildings sought their own monumentality and beauty. The major aspiration of us is to bring the possibility of versatile use each of the spaces of the former factory complex not affecting the history of the site and the layering these buildings has.
To breathe new life without taking away the existing genius loci.
To breathe new life without taking away the existing genius loci.
Thus, the whole complex of the former factory buildings becomes a new vibrant cultural platform for Biella with up-to-date technologies, though leaving the spirit of the place undisturbed. It celebrates the traditions and craftsmanship of the region via a completely new format.
One of the noticeable «soft» elements is the «box» embedded between the columns. It is a permanent display — which tells the story of local wool processing traditions through a lens of allegorical storytelling. The whole process of wool production is presented as a dance of different air masses, holograms, mesmerizing and affecting on sensory perception of the person passing through the «box».
The essential principles of the interior solutions are the delicate interventions of «soft» elements into the peeled «shell» of the former factory and the integration into its existing layout. It is significant to highlight the contrast that these elements have only a temporary character, while the spirit of the place with its timeless unique layering will retain its independence for a long time to come.
In addition, that the construction between the existing buildings like all the spaces of the former factory offers wide variety of scenarios for use, its structure also makes it possible to hang billboards, information stands, posters or even to exhibit art pieces on the construction itself.
Entering the site of the former factory, one may be beckoned by a ramp to the second floor or by a multi-height structure, and going even deeper one may come across a bridge overhanging the river.
The large versatile construction is fit respectfully between two blocks of the factory, not touching the buildings themselves at all. It has its own freestanding structure and foundation. And it performs as a transparent exoskeleton assembled of plexus of wooden, metal, cable-stayed elements with the possibility of using it as:
· Amphitheatre for cinema, lectures, events;
· A place for gatherings and meetings;
· Multi-level podium for temporary
exhibitions.
The large versatile construction is fit respectfully between two blocks of the factory, not touching the buildings themselves at all. It has its own freestanding structure and foundation. And it performs as a transparent exoskeleton assembled of plexus of wooden, metal, cable-stayed elements with the possibility of using it as:
· Amphitheatre for cinema, lectures, events;
· A place for gatherings and meetings;
· Multi-level podium for temporary
exhibitions.
The design is aimed at maximum sustaining of the exterior with localized dismantling of superfluous layers in the interiors — preservation of the existing building — adding new elements with a wide variability for multipurpose use. Making a synergy of new and old with a very reverent relationship between them both is crucial for the design.
The honest architectural response to the problems at hand comes through the creation of a patchwork quilt. This quilt is represented as a fusion of a large overhanging structure between the buildings with its continuations as a soaring path over the stream and a way rising upstairs to the second floor of the building.
The honest architectural response to the problems at hand comes through the creation of a patchwork quilt. This quilt is represented as a fusion of a large overhanging structure between the buildings with its continuations as a soaring path over the stream and a way rising upstairs to the second floor of the building.
The buildings of the factory are self-contained, they are mesmerizing evidences of past times, when even industrial buildings sought their own monumentality and beauty. The major aspiration of us is to bring the possibility of versatile use each of the spaces of the former factory complex not affecting the history of the site and the layering these buildings has.
To breathe new life without taking away the existing genius loci.
To breathe new life without taking away the existing genius loci.