The Brain Embassy Amphitheatre was designed by architecture studio Mode:lina to create an “open, democratic space” in Warsaw, Poland. Mode:lina believes that society requires space for people to experience the outdoors where they can sit by the campfire, talking, listening, and sharing oneself with others. The client for this project is for The Brain Academy. The Brain Academy is a Poland-based organization that celebrates the idea of working in different and unique surroundings for each user. This organization aims to develop co-working and co-creating places to allow people to live like nowhere else.
They have various projects that allow maximum flexibility, versatility in spaces, and use of high-end designs to encourage users to create, initiate, share, develop and succeed in ideal environments.
According to sources, the purpose of constructing this infrastructure is to “facilitate positive changes through meaningful conversation”. Therefore, the main function for the concrete amphitheatre is to allow social events to happen, such as hosting gatherings and musical performances within the Służewo’s commercial district. The addition of the infrastructure helps to fulfil the demand of the business zone as the district previously faced a lack of open and public spaces for people to gather and socialize.
The concrete amphitheatre is formed by combining the classical approach of constructing amphitheatres and green spaces. The most prominent feature of the structure is the slanted concrete ring that surrounds a large piece of glass, creating a circular glass roof tilted at an angle. The angle is said to create a smooth transformation between the surrounding context and the new infrastructure. The roof is supported by a wall made of ferroconcrete. Ferroconcrete is a building material that incorporates a matrix of steel bars or wires and Portland concrete to improve its tensile strength. The performance stage has a total surface area of 40m2 (around 431ft2) and can accommodate up to 140 audiences. The design of the amphitheatre considered the needs of disabled users by providing dedicated seating zones for them. The amphitheatre also allows visitors to have wifi access and there are individual lighting systems for each section of the theatre. As requested by its investor Adgar Poland, the stage is also equipped with the latest Audio Video Cable (AV Wiring) that can be controlled from the BMS and Director’s booth.
Other than the concrete amphitheatre, Mode:lina also incorporated pockets of green spaces to invite the public to interact, such as employees from the nearby buildings.
The amphitheatre’s square uses a novel footing that is similar to Tel Aviv revitalized promenade to attract visitors and bring more life to the site. The site also has a grass-covered hill that is strategically placed by the street to create a sense of free-flow. The green areas are filled with benches and act as playgrounds for the public to interact, complementing the circular structure of the amphitheatre.
The amphitheatre was completed in 2020.
References:
https://www.modelina-architekci.com/project/amfiteatr-brain-embassy/
https://www.designboom.com/architecture/modelina-concrete-amphitheater-warsaw-09-30-2020/
https://brainembassy.pl/en/
https://www.allcadblocks.com/modelina-designs-a-concrete-amphitheater-as-an-open-democratic-space-in-warsaw/