j. mayer h. architects: rest stops in georgia
berlin-based studio j. mayer h. architects has completed 2 of 20 ‘rest stops’ in gori, georgia. the structures are for the new highway which will run through the country and connect the republic of azerbaijan with the republic of turkey. the buildings are located on selected scenic viewpoints and serve as activators for their area and neighboring cities. the sites include not only a gas station and supermarket, but also farmers markets and cultural spaces for local arts and crafts.
socar rest stop
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn (also main image)
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
detail of exterior with mountains in background
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
detail of overhang
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
view of second rest stop in the distance
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
wissol rest stop
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
detail of structure
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
surrounding landscape
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
view from highway
image © jesko m. johnsson-zahn
section
image © j. mayher h.
plan
image © j. mayher h
project info:
architects: j. mayer h. architects
project team: juergen mayer h., paul angelier, jesko malkolm johnsson-zahn, marcus blum & guy levy
preliminary design: 2009
completion: 2011
program: rest stop
clients: jsc wissol petroleum georgia / socar georgia petroleum
location: gori, georgia
architects on site: kobulieli and partners / ltd.’alioni 99′
photographer: jesko m. johnsson-zahn
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the metal curtain façade incorporates trees that appear to grow out of it, blending the building into the environment.
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Looks unnecessarily heavy.
I totally agree with JS! looks so heavy, a massive structure!
When compared to the mountains in the background, I think the strong, heavy design actually fits nicely with the surroundings
These craggy, contrary and which-is-the-right-way-up? cyrillic characters look like they’re designed to entice motorists in to enjoy fresh food, hot coffee, relax in the contemporary surroundings and purchase their gas.
The comments above are correct, drive-thru McDonalds is much more appropriate.
everyone who is hating on this now will think it\’s brilliant 25 years from now. wait for it…. wait for it….
Brutalism has its comeback; or has it never left georgia?
Not appropriate at all.
@esf, the georgian alphabet is not cyrillic.
As for those who find it inappropriate, I doubt the client, presumably the georgian state wanting to express its might, ordered something understated and easily forgotten.
If I like it or not is unimportant but it sure seems very inspired by Yugoslavian communist monuments. http://www.thecoolist.com/abandoned-yugoslavian-monuments-by-jan-kempenaers/
Ridiculous, expensive, heavy and totally out of scale. When will these neolithic monsters come alive and go on the march? Mayer seem to specialise in Facadism architecture.
Senseless structure. Unnecessary use of heavy structure, what a waste of natural resources. Looks funny and useless.
Perfect. At last an innovative idea!
I think all of the haters are just jealous for this amount of creativity and originality.
LOVE ALL BUT THE NEON, REALLY NOT NEEDED,
the protruding digits on the top could have been skylights or tanks or something!
Well, Jurgen loves spending other people’s money.
Almost a rival for Zaha on over-the-top meaningless shapes.
Good luck to him.
As the purpose of such buildings is self evident, there should never be any need for large external signage.
Well, I think these are definitely intriguing.
Rectangular concrete box or visually interesting concrete form on the side of the road?
Stop criticizing someone for doing something that is a little unconventional.
I would rather drive by these then what currently exists as road-side stops.