| Location: | ul. J. Jonáša, Bratislava, Slovakia |
| Client: | Volkswagen Slovakia, a. s. |
| Gross built-up area: | 1 889,7 m2 |
| Total useful area: | 2 092,4 m2 |
| Project accomplishment stage: | architectural study in two options, 2013 |
| Architects: | Juraj Hermann, Daniel Růžička, Marek Vančo, Daniel Mikunda |
An architectonic design has been compiled for assessing the possibility of extending the AUTOFÓRUM building in the area of the Volkswagen manufacturing plant in Bratislava. The entire exposition is supposed to present 10 to 15 vehicles of this brand and so all the other functional and operational demands on that object has been adapted for this very purpose. The extension of the current structure is designed as a single hall without internal support columns, providing the necessary layout flexibility and variability for changing the exhibition.
In the recommended first alternative, the staircase, the mezzanine gallery and the conference room on the mezzanine - offer attractive views of the exposition in inside the hall, or views of social events that could be held here. Apart from that, the mezzanine houses also an office for the staff currently working at the steel-made extension of the current object.
In the design, significant attention has been dedicated to the natural as well as artificial illumination of the Autofórum. The newly designed glassed walls of the current object and of the new extension-structure, are supposed to be shielded from direct sunlight by sun-blinds. At the same time, those blinds unify both objects, protecting the new entrance of the object against rain and snow. On the southern side, the skylights on the roof are made of photovoltaic panels, recharging batteries at daytime. Those batteries will subsequently power the LED-lights illuminating the skylights with indirect light in the evening. Apart from being ecological and economic role, such a solution gives the impression of natural illumination even on evenings.
The goal of the second alternative of the extension-design was to unite the new extension with the existing object into a monolithic whole, using a fully glassed facade. This provides the observer with the most exposed sides – i.e. from the south and west. The new appearance of the Autofórum with a fully glassed facade pleasantly contrasts with the massive facades of the current manufacturing halls, „opening“ it towards the surroundings and virtually inviting to have a look at the presented exhibits. The regional operating design remained preserved. Apart from the exposition area, the extension area got also a catering background.
P - T, spol. s r. o., Martinengova 30, 811 02 Bratislava, Slovensko
