atrium studio turn heat exchanger into culture + sports center

the transformation of this heat exchanger into a culture and sports center by slovakian firm atrium studio was part of a project for the EHMK 2013, the european capital of culture. located in the residential district of nad jazerom, slovakia, the angular exterior form extends the building out into the public space, with a dramatic climbing wall feature. the exchanger center has five different interconnected floors that have all been turned into gallery spaces – each fulfilling a different function. a secluded rooftop consists of four trees and a large lounge area, which provides a space for visitors to relax in. the structure stands out within its surrounding context of industrial-type buildings. the existing heat exchanger was wrapped with a bold geometric facade – the folded triangular shapes define the building’s exterior. cut out pieces of the twisted volume expose slanted view shafts of the interior windows, helping to express the new transformation.

the development was part of a project for the EHMK 2013, the european capital of culture
image © lubo stacho | main image © atriumstudio.sk

the existing building was wrapped with a bold geometric facade
image © atrium studio

the angular exterior form features a large climbing wall
image © atrium studio

the structure stands out within its surrounding context of industrial-type buildings
image © atrium studio

folded triangular shapes create a large climbing wall on the building’s exterior
image © atrium studio

the center has five different interconnected floors that have all been turned into gallery spaces
image © lubo stacho

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project info:

project date: 2011
investor: city košice, european capital of culture 2013
built area: 180 m²
locality: važecká street, košice