Restoration of the atrium in the Jozef Kollár Gallery
TRANSFORMATION OF THE ATRIUM INTO A MULTIFUNCTIONAL ZONE
The revitalization of the atrium of the Jozef Kollár Gallery in Banská Štiavnica is part of the Green Mission project. This activity aims to transform the atrium's unused space into a multifunctional zone that will combine aesthetic and ecological aspects with the place's historical value.
Current status
The atrium, in its current state, represents untapped potential within a national cultural monument situated in the historic centre. It faces problems with moisture, which damages the façade during heavy rains and causes problems with water run-off. In addition, by the restoration of the atrium, its presentation potential will be used and a rest area offered for the gallery visitors.
Atrium revitalisation plan
The revitalization includes the creation of a Gallery Rain Garden that will serve as a hybrid presentation space. The atrium will showcase multi-genre art projects by contemporary artists that reflect themes of environmental justice and responsibility. The project uses efficient solutions to accumulate rainwater and moisture while providing technical and visual benefits such as vertical planting of greenery and lighting effects.
A cylindrical object, with a diameter of approximately 5 m and a height of 6 m, will be erected in the atrium. The structure will be self-supporting, independently standing in the centre of the atrium, weighed down with a container for water retention and soil containers. It avoids any contact with the historic facades of the building.
Owing to its liveliness, the structure covered by climbing greenery is in contrast to the other exhibition spaces. It attracts the visitors to enter an exceptional environment, atmosphere but also climate. It forms a variable filter changing over time, a layer turning green in the growing season or revealing a dense network of steel cables in the dormant season.
The circular step-in space is symbolically planned entirely “on water” – on the retention tank, which also fulfils the function of a firewater reservoir. The atrium should be multifunctional and adaptable. It will be possible to organize exhibitions, openings as well as small workshops here, or just simply sit down with a cup of coffee. The restoration plan includes looping the walking route at the ground floor of the gallery by fitting another door into the atrium’s original, blinded opening, turning the atrium to a walk-through space.
The retention and firewater tank has a height of about 80 cm and a volume of 9 m3. It provides for a stage where people can sit down and spend time. The main function of the tank will be to capture rainwater from the roofs of the gallery building, thereby supporting the drainage of the atrium during heavy rainfalls.
As part of the rainwater management, the tank water will be used to irrigate the green oasis and the climbing plants in the atrium. It can also be used for watering the interior plants, flushing the toilets in the gallery, etc.
Let's ventilate the gallery
The revitalization envisages restoring the passage, which was walled up in the relatively recent past, to create a direct connection from the atrium to the ground-floor part of the exposition. The installation of a door with a ventilation opening will help promote airflow and, at the same time, increase traffic in the atrium.
The materials used have an industrial character, which allows the greenery, which consists of climbing plants, ferns, and mosses, to stand out.
Objective and outcomes
The main goal is to create a space that will serve for recreation, educational and presentation purposes. The project also includes educational activities, such as workshops and discussions, that will deepen the public's environmental awareness. This innovative approach aims not only to revitalize the atrium but also to provide new opportunities for the implementation of informal educational and environmental activities in the gallery.DRAFT AUTHORS
Ing. Veronika Bagarová, cooperation Mgr.art Marianna Maczová
