REGIONAL EMERGENCY CENTER RADOVLJICA
The proposed placement of the object is against the tree line in the northwest of the location, with the utmost respect for the landscape characteristics and qualities that form recognisability of the area. Withdrawn into the embrace of trees, the building does not concur with existing natural dominants, it yields to it and preserves the views of the surrounding nature.
SPATIAL CONTEXT
Location of the new Regional rescue center is located in a very sensitive area in the green zone between the city and the traffic corridor. Existing landscape characteristics and qualities are remnants of glacial moraines Volčev hrib and Obla Gorica, two spatial dominants, which together with green spaces and trees, create a break between the city and traffic corridor.
DIALOGUE BETWEEN NATURAL AND BUILT
The proposed placement of the object is against the tree line in the northwest of the location, with the utmost respect for the landscape characteristics and qualities that form recognisability of the area. Withdrawn into the embrace of trees, the building does not concur with existing natural dominants, it yields to it and preserves the views of the surrounding nature. With its placement it creates a clear dichotomy in the character of the area. It creates a tension between the vast fields on one side and intimate park with an entrance from the other, urban side. The park creates a new distinctive spatial ambience that functions as a link between the city and cultural landscape.
The tree line is fully preserved and it’s vitally connected to the entrance of the new building. The building with its pure appearance in the area, creates an autonomy and together with the nature forms a dialogue which, emphasizes the quality of the existing landscape, rather than compete with it.
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
The building is situated on the northwestern edge of the area, along the tree line. It is clearly divided into three separate volumes (police, fire department with other departments and a tower) which are rapt to create external surface of the center. On the one side, it forms a main entrance with access to the building, on the other it creates a functional courtyard for firefighters and other services.
INTERNAL STRUCTURE
Structure and program design enables the transition in the transverse direction. This provides a physical and visual connections between the individual program facilities along the meadow, views towards the housing and vice versa are prevented. The design concept of the building with its purity reflects the seriousness of the program with complete subordinate role. Compact volumes establish an autonomous object in the area, with use of wood that softens the rough technical program and inseparably connects with surrounding character.
ACCESS AND TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS
The new Center attaches to the public road on the northwest side of the area, on the regional road R3_ 635/1121 Lesce – Kamna Gorica. Road access is provided at a suitable distance from nearby intersection, to provide access to the complex in the middle of two separate volumes/programs. When choosing the location of the connector, it takes possibility of stage construction of the center. RRR Center is in addition to motor traffic in the peripheral areas, connected with cycling and walking paths. The later takes place south of the green zone to Volčji hrib and across the Obla gorica to the center of Radovljica. Natural monuments (Volčji hrib and Obla gorica, fortified bunker Rupnikova linja), together they form recreational-learning path. Remote bicycle path that runs past the competition area is at the center of the new RRR Center and connect directly to the area. Circulation within RRR center area is arranged, so that the road and yard interventions and other users are clearly separated.
This allows seamless integration of emergency vehicles into traffic. Due to the sensitivity of the area, the design tries to provide parking spaces for employees in the underground garage. During the major events there is a temporary parking area on fortified grass along the tree line and main road.
FUNCTIONAL DESIGN
Arrangement of Regional rescue center is designed as an independent two stage process. Police station and other program services are organized as a completely separated whole, which are connected solely via garage for employees (which allows execution in two stages). MNZ – police program is estimated in the first stage, all the others in the second stage.
PROGRAM DESIGN
Program design is organized to enable clear and seamless functioning of the center. The ground floor houses garages for emergency and service vehicles with a corresponding program, which enables quick and easy exit for intervention. On the first floor are administrative spaces with associated programs of more enclosed type. Technical spaces are located in basement.
MNZ - POLICE
The building is organized in two levels. The entrance and premises that are connected to public relations, garage and changing rooms are located on ground floor. On the first floor are office spaces and program that is not directly linked with intervention and public. The major advantage of the functional design of the upper floor is to create a multipurpose room, which is the hearth of the police station. It opens into the atrium, which changes in different events (abolition, library, lectures, and exhibitions). It represents an extension of the interior and provides additional unconventional ways to use the space. Despite the closed and rigorous program, atrium provides an intimate outdoor space, which illuminates the interior hallways. The corridors are organized in a way that end with a view to surrounding landscape and not into residential area.
OTHER SERVIES (NMP, GZOR, CIVIL PROTECTION, PGD Radovljica, Red Cross, GRS)
The building is organized in a way that all garages for emergency vehicles and corresponding program are located on the ground floor. Administrative spaces with associated programs are organized in two floors. Special attention was given to a clear and seamless functioning of a rescue center.
Accesses and entrances to the new building are organized from the green area on the northwest side of location and all of the views from administrative program open to this side. Garages are located on the other side of the building which open to the common technical backyard and allow a smooth and flawless functioning.
Administrative spaces with accompanying program and a garage with the technical program are separated with a belt of utility spaces which creates a transverse passage through the building. The main communication runs along the building and together with the compact design of the program, allows the best possible interoperability between services during the interventions. The major advantage of the functional design of the building is a vertical visual communication between garages and Administration, which gives the building clarity and transparency and enables a faster and better functioning of the program during intervention.
STRUCTURAL DESING
The structure of the building is carried out in accordance with the desire to ensure the greatest possible functional flexibility of internal spaces. The basic structure provides a reinforced concrete skeleton with several reinforced concrete cores (vertical communication) and floor panels.
SELECTION OF MATERIALS
The selection of materials is adapted to local context. Basic materials of structure are reinforced concrete and wood. The façade of the building is carried out in two planes. The outer plane is made of wooden slabs witch control the privacy of interior. Internal plane, made of smaller elements, serves the natural shading of glass surfaces. The rhythm of wooden verticals underlines the strict image of the program and creates a special compositional scheme of the facade. As a whole, the building is inextricably clamped between existing landscape characteristics.
RACIONAL DESIGN
The main advantage of the building is its compact design. It is designed to reduce the surface area needed for the excavation and use of energy. At the same time it provides separate stages of construction.