Matěj Bálek

advisor

VSB - Technical university of Ostrava

Czech Republic

Navrhujeme udržitelnou organickou architekturu. Zabýváme se návrhy občanských staveb, ale i… more

The transformation of the new with the old is always a challenge worthy of the most experienced professionals. There is nothing more complex than sensitively evaluating the existing, outdated state and designing something that will function not only conceptually and aesthetically but also technically and functionally.
Stone ruins offer various directions an architect can take. A combination of wood, glass, and steel—some of the most natural materials—is the best way to respect the existing structure while simultaneously bringing in something new. It is essential to combine materials appropriately so that they do not contradict but rather complement one another.

A very interesting transformation of the old into the new. However, I feel that this project lacks a broader contextual solution. The environment in which the building, object, or complex is situated must always harmonize not only within itself but also with its surroundings. Every well-designed project must address connections with other buildings and plots.

I highly appreciate how you have handled the overall layout of the project, which, in my opinion, is well thought out and makes sense. The individual functions and spaces work together harmoniously without conflicting. The barrier-free accessibility of the entire building is also well addressed. The design includes not only ramps for wheelchair users but also an elevator, which will be beneficial for pregnant women and individuals with reduced mobility.
I also really like how the structural layout is based on a fractal grid. These fractals can open new doors for architects in organizing not only layouts but also structures, contributing to the overall composition. This design principle is also reflected in nature, such as in tree branching or river meanders. In our designs, we explore fractal organization in greater depth, allowing us to elevate architecture to a higher level.
The interior layout is clean and airy, offering visitors multiple pathways through the space, one of which is a large staircase serving as a dominant feature of the entire interior. However, there are a few minor shortcomings that need attention. For example, I find the toilets significantly undersized given the function of the space, and this area requires more focus in the design. Additionally, there is no separate restroom for disabled individuals, which is an essential part of any public space.
The project also lacks designated parking, which must be addressed somewhere nearby. However, I did not find any mention of parking in the project documentation, so I assume it was not included. Parking is an integral part of modern life, and every public space should have enough parking spots that do not merely appear as vast concrete surfaces but are instead meaningfully integrated into the design. The issue of cars is a major topic today, not only in large cities and villages but also in public spaces like this.
It is good that the shop or refreshment area is located near the road, ensuring easy access for supply deliveries. Additionally, I recommend including seating areas with trash bins in every design, as these elements are often overlooked in later stages. There is nothing worse than an otherwise well-designed space being disrupted by an unattractive bench or trash bin—or worse, their complete absence.

The integration of wood, steel, and stone structures, along with the implementation of glass, is technically feasible but presents numerous challenges that architects must take into account. For example, fire safety solutions for the structures, including emergency exits and staircases, must be considered.
The anchoring of the wooden structures in this project is well handled, but it is also essential to consider moisture—both atmospheric and from heavy rainfall. This brings me to another concern: not all areas have solid roofing, leaving wooden structures exposed to external elements. This exposure can lead to the corrosion of not only wooden and steel components but also stone materials. The issue is not just rain but also sun, wind, and other natural forces.
This leads me to another thought: the project includes a library. Books are highly sensitive materials, and fluctuations in temperature, as well as exposure to rain and sunlight, can affect their longevity. The main challenge in this location is the intense sunlight, which heats materials and causes thermal expansion in structures. Although rainy days are not frequent here, they can still create significant problems that need to be addressed—such as diverting excess water away from the structure and potentially repurposing it.
Another aspect that seems to be missing from the project is the design of artificial lighting. I assume that the building will not only function during the day but also in the evening, so appropriate lighting solutions are necessary to ensure its full usability.

The overall presentation of the project is very appealing. It is evident that suitable colors were chosen to effectively showcase the work. Everything is legible and arranged neatly. The visualizations are well-executed, making excellent use of natural light.
The only thing missing from the presentation is an analysis of the broader spatial relationships, which would allow for a better understanding of the site's context.

If I were to evaluate the project, I would say that it is conceptually well-executed, aside from a few minor details. The project presentation is also solid.
An architect must have knowledge of everything related to a building—from the smallest technical details to the aesthetic perception of the structure and functional arrangement. They are the coordinator of all aspects of a building, and therefore, their work must be meticulously considered in every detail.
I would personally recommend adding more technical descriptions to the project to ensure that these details are accounted for and not lost in the process.
I wish you the best of luck with future projects. Overall, great work!