We see cultural centres as vibrant meeting places where the arts, education and everyday life of the local community intersect. Our designs combine architectural expression with functionality to create an environment that fosters creativity and cultural dialogue. We take care to connect the interior to the surroundings, varying spaces for different types of events, from theatre performances and concerts to exhibitions, workshops and community events. Openness, accessibility and sustainability are key for us; a cultural centre must not only be representative, but also welcoming and functional for all generations.
Cultural centres as meeting places
In our opinion, every cultural centre is not only a building, but also a symbol of social life. It is a place where the paths of the city’s inhabitants and visitors converge, where a dialogue between the past and the present is created. Therefore, we work with a space that is open, flexible and able to adapt to changing needs. Cultural centres are not just about architecture, but above all about the life that takes place in them.
Variability and functionality
Modern cultural centres have to handle a wide range of functions. A large hall can be transformed into a concert space, while smaller zones can serve as classrooms, galleries or studios. The ability to easily transform from an intimate reading room to a large-scale event space is important. We therefore pay attention to the acoustics, technical facilities and the interconnection of the different parts so that the spaces support each other and allow for varied use.
Connection with public space
Cultural centres never exist in a vacuum. Their success depends on their connection to their surroundings – the square, the park, the street or the waterfront. That’s why we design buildings that open outwards, have an active ground floor and act as a natural magnet. We see the public space around the centre as an extended stage where smaller events, markets or community gatherings can take place.
Sustainability and long-term durability
Sustainability also plays a crucial role in the field of cultural centres. We use long-lasting materials, work with natural light and energy-saving technologies. We think about running costs, water recycling and energy efficiency. We design cultural centres to be economically sustainable, easy to manage and serve their purpose in the long term without sacrificing quality.
Example: the Gočár Gallery
A strong example of our work is the expansion of Gočár’s gallery in the Automatic Mills. The project is based on three steps, cleaning the original work of the architect Gočár, preserving the renovated facilities and adding new material. On the one hand it is a bold contemporary intervention, on the other a sensitive dialogue with history. The new elemental mass with its spatial dilation underlines the value of the whole complex and at the same time adds a fragility that refers to the new function. The gallery is part of the wider transformation of the Automatic Mills, which has become a cultural centre of supra-regional importance. The connection with the old town, the river and the castle park shows how a cultural centre can act as an engine for the whole area.
Cultural centres in an urban context
We see every cultural centre as a key part of urban planning. It is not just a stand-alone object, but an active player that shapes the lifestyle of the surrounding area. Its location, its accessibility and its ability to relate to historical or natural elements determine whether it becomes the living heart of the city. We believe that cultural centres must contribute to the development of urban identity and strengthen the links between people.
The future of cultural centres
The future of cultural centres lies in their openness. Digitisation, new forms of education and the transformation of cultural institutions require spaces that can adapt. The cultural centres of the future will be hybrid places – combining art, education, community life and co-working. We believe that good architecture can create environments where people feel comfortable, whether they come for culture, inspiration or just to relax.