Plot 116

The steel structure in its architectonic form presents a landmark in the site. Its distinctive features are experienced from within the interior of the structure: an exquisite assemblage of floating planes allowing the visitor to experience the entire volume from many different levels and offering vistas to the adjacent Mediterranean. 

The steel structure will be dismantled and moved from its existing location to be reassembled on plot 116 respecting new setback laws. It will be re-erected following the same grid in width and height, losing one grid from the seaside.

Two bays will be added as an extension over three floors: the ground floor, the mezzanine and the first floor, creating a terrace at the level of the 2nd floor.

The two added bays allow for a more squared floor plan and larger open spaces to accommodate for a specialized retail center.

Despite the redesign of new slabs, the character of the old structure was retained through voids spanning over a number of floors, allowing the visitor to explore the space from many different levels. The escalators are directed towards the sea view and slabs are pushed away from the glazed façade to maximize the angle of vision.

The façade was retained in terms of grid proportion height and bay sizes, yet the change is drastic. Masonry walls were replaced by a glass clad layer creating a much lighter and vibrant structure that dialogues with the surrounding environment and communicates a new architectural and visual language that signals its resurrection. 

The factory windows on the third level remained as a feature that remembers what this structure once was. Moreover, the difference in height of the steel volume traces its old proportion, and as such adds another layer to its industrial memory.

The random aspect in the ratio of solid void within the steel grid of the façade was retained but reversed, increasing the glass enclosures within the grid and reducing the number of blocked bays.

The ceiling trusses are reused and exposed as part of the industrial aesthetic of the façade; they allow for a play of light and shadow within the volume.

A black metal cladded volume has been added to mark the entrance of the steel structure and to define a vertical core for circulation and services. It is positioned on the intersection of the two pitched roof structures, and acts as an architectural extension to the lane that extends onto plot 116, emphasizing the spine that stretches through the entire site. It also marks the intervention as well as a new life to the structure.

Parking spaces: one underground parking floor is provided with a capacity for 83 cars, along with two additional parking floors at the mezzanine level and on the first floor with a capacity for 67 cars, thereby reaching a total capacity of 150 cars. The area of the mezzanine parking is 750m2 and will be included in the BUA. The roof of the mezzanine parking (first floor) will not be included in the BUA since it is partially covered by a light weight tensile structure.

The ground level is cleared of parking spaces; plot 116 being in a prime location and having the widest shape and largest footprint opens up a range of opportunities for highly rentable programmatic activities.

The seaside corner of the site is marked by a three-dimensional deconstructed steel folly, It is painted in red and carries a number of billboards. Its position marks the angle of approach to the structure. Among the other follies scattered around the site, it provides a point of reference and adds another spontaneous and playful artifact that highlights the intervention.