Chilean architects, dRN Architects has submitted to ArchDaily their recent submission for the Beton Hala Waterfront project in central Belgrade, Serbia. Additional images of the proposal as well as a lengthy description of the work can be found after the break.
INTRODUCTION Our design for the BHWC building starts off by acknowledging the importance of the existing Beton Hala structure not only as a significant continuous building clinging over the riverbank, but as an urban platform from which to relate to several essential city attractions. The elongated rhythmic shape portrayed by the existing BH structure and the site itself suggests to us the use of extended horizontal volumes, which are proposed as piled ascending ramps. The building will become a new architectural landmark in Belgrade housing, in a single iconic structure, a multi-programmatic edifice and perhaps more importantly will become a dynamic hub for visitors. A superior pedestrian connection between the river front, the platform (the Park where BHWC is embedded) and the Fortress level is a decisive goal of our project.
URBAN PIECE The resulting BHWC building becomes an essential urban element; a design endeavored to connect and attract visitors and locals, over a stand-alone building. Consequently our project considers maximizing the usable public area by occupying the building’s roofs. Low-pitched volumes (6 to 8%) become a gentle connecting promenade, both a contemporary piece of the Kalemegdan Park and a building itself. This winding walkway offers unique views over the Sava River and Kosancicev Venac area, where circulating people are invited to stay and behold the scenery. The resulting elongated structure is respectful to the local context and unobtrusive to the landmarks, reinforcing the outline of the hill; a dignifying base for the Belgrade Fortress.
