We proposed a building completely open for public to both streets with a double height well-lit main hall, showing the shift from rural to urban environment. Given the very tight budget, we decided to use the most economic solutions of structure and finishes, working on the proportions of the space and the constructive elements. We used a regular semi-prefabricated concrete structure for all the spaces, and typical sandwich panels for the exterior.
The building is defined by three main volumes. Two L-shaped volumes host the small spaces (shops, offices, services) and define spatially the third one – the empty volume of the main hall. The space remaining between the two L-shaped volumes is completely glazed and thus allowing the main hall to be used mostly without artificial lighting. It also generates the accesses to the main hall from the street and from the parking which is situated in depth of the plot.
The difference in density and height between the 23 August and Oltului streets is taken into account in our design. The L-shaped volume on 23 August street is only one floor and displays an array of shops, while the façade on Oltului street has two floors, shops opened to the street on the ground floor and offices on the 1st floor. The corner is emphasized through the recessed entrance which allows the possibility of public space where people meet and talk when entering or exiting the market on foot or by bike. The corner is furthermore accentuated by a prismatic metal frame on top of the main hall volume which can act as a structure for advertising.
Authors:
Dragoș Mihai Dordea
Radu Gîdiuță
Dragoș Neamțu
Facts + Figures
client: Buftea Municipality
address: Buftea, RO
area: 2180 m2
status: completed
year: 2012 – 2017