Rock caves
Project label
Design by Fernando Menis Architects
Location: Poland
Type: Architecture
Material: masonry concrete
Label: Toruń
Categories: Cultural Buildings, Performance Buildings, Concert Halls
The project site is located in a system of ring green spaces on the outskirts of the ancient city of Toruń, with the concert hall building occupying half of the site and the other half remaining as an open park. In order to ensure the smooth flow of the visual corridor between the city and the river, as well as the coordination between the building and the surrounding city and natural environment, the building is low and above the site, like a rock that grows naturally.
▽ Building exterior, external view
The exterior of the building is light gray concrete, and the recessed parts reveal the brick-red interior wall. The architect used modern techniques to reinterpret the red bricks that can be found everywhere in the ancient city, expressing a tribute to the historic ancient city.
▽ Concrete and the Red Linning
The building looks rigid and monotonous from the outside, but in fact its interior space is flexible and changeable. The clever design has transformed the building from a simple concert hall into a complex space that can host a variety of performances and events without changing the budget. Spectator seats can increase, decrease, change direction and position as demand increases. The design of the roof offers a variety of possibilities for the arrangement of the lighting system, a large space that can host symphonic concerts, chamber music concerts, plays, operas or films. In addition, the side of the concert hall and the park is partially concave, and the interior and exterior spaces are integrated into the stage, which serves as a stage for outdoor performances and other large-scale events.
▽ Concert Hall
▽ Multiple performance modes in the auditorium, multiple space organization
The flow of the building is coherent and clear, and the straight line can be passed through the building, from the street to the core space behind it, the square, as simple and direct as passing through a door.
▽ Ground floor, direct way form street to the plaza
By mixing concrete with other materials and separating it after pouring, the building walls create a special texture. The technology, created by Fernando Menis, is called picado, and the skin provides a strong visual impact while also helping to improve the sound insulation of the building. Picado has obtained patent certification from the Department of Architectural Research in Spain and Poland as an original technical means.
▽ Building walls, walls
▽ Third floor
▽ Underground floor
▽ Elevations
▽ Profile view, sectioins