A cultural center in Pori

Abstract

This work is based on a competition for Pori cultural center Aarre launched in november 2018. Located in the historical city center, the chosen plot includes sensitive buildings from different eras such as Satakunta Museum and hotel Otava and complex urban relationships. Moreover the cultural center involves different actors and different functions which make it a multipurpose public building. The thesis follows a progressive exploration and analysis of the existing environment. From gen-eral overview of Pori history to analysis of the architecture of the Museum building from 1960’s. Another focus point was the analysis of the space program and articulation between the different actors and functions. Based on these observations, different design options were studied and one was developed further into detail.The final design developed an architectural solution that aims to enhance the urban liveliness of the area. A new addition on top and on the side of the existing building was created and a new building mass was added. Those two elements are connected via an underground passage. The chosen architectural language follows the principals of the 60s building, simple massive shapes and use of concrete. The existing spaces have been preserved and in some case reorga-nized or renovated in order to find its initial spatial qualities. The new extension proposes also a new relation with the exterior with spaces openings toward the outside. A characteristic zig-zag pattern from the old building has been reinterpreted and used in the glass panelings. In its functionality the new museum complex brings together a large variety of uses. It aims to take into consideration the needs of the different audiences and to create pleasant experiences. This design experiments with spatial and architectural solutions that can offer a new experience within a sensitive historical environment.