Institute of Sound and Image: Kosancicev venac, Belgrade, Serbia

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, Belgrade, Serbia

Project idea

The main goal of the project was to develop a new concept based on the methodology of meta-materiality and functional geometry, regarding the topic of Institute of Image and Sound and the motif of double game. The project is located on top of the antic roman saps, in the core of the city of Belgrade. The idea was to maintain the aesthetics of ruins by opening the saps and upgrading them, and, at the same time, to create a contemporary environment ideal for producing and receiving the art of cinema and music.

Project description

The project location, Kosancicev venac, is one of the oldest parts of the city of Belgrade. Transcripts from times of Roman Empire can be found on the spot, including the saps, used for water storage. These saps are not maintained in the proper manner and one of the main goals of the project was to renovate them and open them to the public while implementing new program and expanding to the surrounding space. The first step included research of the history of saps and their architecture, as well as the affirmation of their exact location. Then, an abstract model was made in order to understand the important relations appearing on the site. Then, a research regarding the elements forming the spaces of images and sounds were conducted in order to identify them and to decide how can they be interpreted in the project. It was concluded that the cinema and the great music hall will be the main elements of the project. The saps will "crack" from the ground to the surface. The largest sap, through which The great stairs of Belgrade pass through, will become the great atrium, along with another atrium on one more sap, while the rest of them will welcome the program regarding Image and Sound. Aesthetics of ruins will be maintained and an inspiring environment will be created. The design method implied research though model making and creating particular images which represent the project essence. The program consists of the two main parts, music hall and cinema, followed by two atriums, lapidarium, interactive cinema room, showroom, and services, such as toilets, control booth and coat check. The entity was established by connecting connecting all elements of the program. The result represents a new cultural center necessary to the city of Belgrade. The model is a formal representation of the saps cracking from below the ground and the atmosphere brought to the site along with the project.

Technical information

The new structure is constructed using concrete which emphasizes the old stone of the saps. The form of the saps upgrade was explored in relation to the morphology of space, in order to maintain the aesthetic of ruins. The use of Rhinoceros has contributed to the specific form of the cracking saps which represent the core of the concept. The atriums are defined by glass panels supported by spider facade elements.
Horizontal communications provide a good connection between all elements of the program.
Services are packed in the discreet manner, while the technical rooms in relation to the cinema and music hall are positioned right next to them.
The specific feature of the project is the ceiling structure of the music hall. It contains the elements of light and sound system used during the performances.