Works of architecture can be seen as mechanisms conveying cosmic energy. The Barcelona ground plan with its strict network and powerful diagonal is a striking landmark that can be observed from cosmos. Several antennae emerging from this structure, such as Gaudi's Sagrada Familia, Foster's TV Tower, Nouvel's Torre Agbar, Calatrava's Olympic monument, SOM together with Gehry's fish, and many church towers provide the city with all manner of pulsating energy. The functioning of such antennae depends on their location, geometry and power that the creators of the tower manage to programme into it.
The "Bohemian Hostel" set into the heart of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, fulfils the same function as the above-mentioned high-rise buildings. The mandala-shaped ground plan of the tower, the vertical divided into five elements and a flower with five petals at the top of the tower – all provide the solution with a dimension of timelessness. It thus resembles an ancient sacred energetic tower, pagoda or some other kind of mysterious object. On the other hand, it also possesses today's youthful language of form and dynamics. The authors of the project have tried to balance the timeless and temporal dimensions – both are presented in the building.
The foundation is the typical Gothic Quarter oblong plot, where the courtyards are surrounded by the hostel's reception, bars, restaurant, joint kitchen, dining hall, auxiliary rooms and lift. Around the lift on the main floor of the tower there are four guestrooms and a staircase, with an entrance to the balconies. The mezzanines have toilets and showers. The flower-shaped section at the top of the building presents a great viewing balcony. Smaller balconies are located on four levels on the roof of trapeze-shaped elements. Every guestroom has an additional small loggia.
THE ARCHITECTONICS OF THE TOWER SIMULTANEOUSLY CONSTITUTES A PLANT, MACHINE, COSMIC ANTENNA AND A SCULPTURE WITH THE MODERN LANGUAGE OF FORM. |
Tower in Barcelona.
Idea project.
Silver Soe,
Vilen Künnapu |
