Base4Work Bratislava / Studio Perspective
+35
- space:
3900 square meters
general:
2021
Pictures: children
Manufacturers: classicAnd Firm LivingAnd over thereAnd La PalmaAnd practiceAnd nemo lightingAnd Norman CopenhagenAnd FederalAnd VitraAnd Weaver and DockeryAnd FLOSAnd Sincal-
Principal Architects:
Jan Antal, Martin Stara, Barbora S. Babuka,
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Text description provided by the architects. Only a few buildings with an industrial history remain in Bratislava. There are fewer of those who have been able to adapt to current needs. But this is not the case with the functional heating plant of engineer Dusan Yurkowicz. Redesigned by Penta Real Estate and studio Perspektiv, it has opened to the public after a three-year renovation as a state-of-the-art co-working center – Base4Work. Architectural studio Perspektiv, known for its cutting-edge office projects, has built the second branch of the Base4Work co-working center within the Industrial Monument Bratislava – the first is located in the Churchill complex in Prague.
The original building with a new function. As a very specific space, the heating plant in Bratislava has been looking for a new job for a long time. The developer’s vision was to create an inspiring and diverse workspace that would provide a backdrop to connect different groups of users – from corporate clients to start-ups and freelancers, in a unique setting of national cultural attractions. The competitive advantage of co-working spaces often lies in their exclusivity, which is why the investor, together with Perspektiv studio engineers, decided to reflect the same idea in this industrial monument.
The renovation itself was designed to ensure that the original parts remained visible and to preserve the Dušan Jurkovič imprint as much as possible. Nevertheless, the architects interpreted Yurkowicz’s work in the spirit of the twenty-first century. “When designing the interior space for the co-working space, we recognized the context of the original monument and the new building. We tried to complement and connect the space with it in terms of style and architecture of the new elements. In addition, we wanted to make sure that the new and original parts could be clearly recognized – we didn’t want to imitate the original work. ,” said architects Jan Antal and Barbora S. Babuka.
A new five-story building was placed inside the boiler and turbine hall, creating a new space. Other industrial elements of the heating station were also used to pay homage to history – concrete hoppers dominate the entire interior, with the original crane forming the unusual open ceiling of the shared office. Architectural entrance in a modern form is the work of the DF Creative Group studio. PAMARCH, which specializes in the protection and reconstruction of monuments, oversaw the renovation of the building envelope.
Start heating station. In total, there are 3900 square meters of flexible working space with a capacity of approximately 450 places in the heating plant. The architects worked with the same classification of premises as in the Prague co-working branch mentioned above. They brought a concept of a high-quality workspace that reflects the authenticity of the environment. Diverse variety also meets the requirements of a wide range of users. On each floor there are fixed desks, heated desks, separate desks, telephone booths, workshop room and meeting rooms for 4 to 18 people. Clients can also use the community lounges or the attractive meeting and networking area during the day.
Folklore in the concept of minimalism. The community center of the entire co-working space is the entrance area on the second floor, which combines the lobby, café and workspaces. Perspektiv presents Dušan Jurkovi’s extensive works using graphic elements in the interior. The authors’ motifs are inspired by the architect’s style and evolution over time. Perspektiv decomposes original decorative ornaments into primary factors in the form of light elements on the walls or patterned cabinets. The popular carpenter was replaced by a CNC milling machine, and the hardwoods were replaced by natural fibreboard.
“Contemporary craftsmanship and materials in their raw core form a unifying theme for each floor,” adds architect Babuka. The steel structures are softened by perforation to create an interesting historical contrast with a legacy from the early period of Yorkovich’s work. Turning an industrial monument into a comfortable workspace also depends on the right materials. The color palette is based on the shades of terracotta, characteristic of the building’s covering, and complemented by deep, muted tones of blue, green and carbon black. Ceilings remain open, while floors in the common areas highlight wood or oversized ceramic tiles.
Space only for the brave. The generosity of the space is emphasized by the massive concrete hoppers, which were originally used to store solid fuels. The architects managed to fit some meeting rooms inside. The two meeting rooms on the 5th floor seem to be the most popular meeting rooms for users so far. “This is where we took advantage of the site and experimented with glazing on parts of the floor. The result is an iconic space that everyone wants to see. Even those who are afraid of heights” says architect Antal. Separate meeting rooms and offices focus on acoustics, which is provided not only by carpeting but also by wall coverings. In keeping with their style, the architects used recycled and natural materials. Re: Eco-friendly felt boards are made from recycled PET bottles. The boutique mood of the entire interior is enhanced by the rooftop terrace with the adjoining bar. The architects used the complex structure of the building to the benefit of the clients, creating rest areas in several places. The flexibility of the space is appreciated not only by the developer but also by the early tenants.
The renovated space also includes the Department of Transportation. Espresso Bar & Contemporary Art Gallery, event space, and restaurant from the Medusa gastro group network. Thus this important icon of Bratislava is brought back to life again, becoming a cultural center and a valuable contrast with the modern architecture of the surrounding buildings. Thanks to the renovation, the new appearance of the heating plant in Jurkovič reinforced the importance of preserving the original buildings and emphasized that preservation can also be beneficial for investors.
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