CATHARSIS - ADAPTATION OF SCHINDLER’S ARK FOR A MEMORIAL SITE

Project idea

The main idea of the project was to respect the historical substance, preserving the Schindler’s Ark building without significant external intervention. The past, purification, and the future are the main motifs in the project. The path symbolizes the life of the Jewish nation, with each crossing representing the history that took place at the site of Schindler’s Ark. The striped floor references the prisoners’ camp uniforms, with the winding road cutting through symbolizing a difficult and arduous past. Passing through water alludes to the liberation of the Jewish people by Moses. The pavilion represents a symbol of purification and serves as a place for meditation. After passing through the pavilion, the path opens onto a meadow, taking the form of a free-formed path, symbolizing a liberated future.

Project description

The project consists of three main parts. The first is the external entrance area, featuring a striped courtyard with a dynamic path that symbolizes the difficult history of the Jews. The interior of Schindler's Ark has been adapted as a museum space, housing exhibits about the history of the surviving Jews, the owners, and the factory itself. Visitors can enter the historical building via one of the paths. Additionally, the exit leads to the purification pavilion, where water will flow over the glass, symbolizing rebirth and purification. After passing through the pavilion, the exit will symbolize the future and the hope associated with it.

The design also takes advantage of the complex's location surrounded by rivers. Thus, the intentional separation of parts of the complex symbolizes a break from history. An open-air cinema will be located on the premises, and the second hall will house a community center for city residents, designated for material workshops.

Technical information

The structure of Schindler's Ark hall has been reinforced using polycarbonate fiber rods. Additionally, the ceilings have been doubled to ensure adequate load-bearing capacity. The pavilion's structure was created using steel sourced from the site to minimize the architectural impact on the environment. There were no significant alterations made to the existing architecture.