Social Housing Proposal / MITarh Architecture Studio

The complexity of a problem that stands before competitors reflects a contrast that exists between rural surroundings and program demands that refer to a high built-up density in an otherwise non-urbanized (built-up) area of the prairie. This project, by MITarh Architecture Studio represents a model for an anticipated urban development of the area in which the competition task has been set. An initial motive for designing was the distinctive texture of the surrounding fields. Their aim is to establish a rational and useful urban matrix adaptable to the existing area using the dimensions and geometry of the new structure, while establishing continuity of the surrounding area. More images and architects’ description after the break.

By superposition of the texture/image of the agricultural terrain and recognizable density, the built-up Vojvodina’s urban pattern has the new ambiance that has been achieved that includes all layers of a heritage coded in our consciousness. The urban traces of the wider region have defined the strictly geometrical urban pattern of the newly designed complex.

The new structure of the complex consists of blocks where the pattern represents a modified double-tract, where the outer one follows the construction line and the inner one forms an orthogonal matrix that within itself has five equal central atriums (60×60 m). Depending on orientation conditions and mid-spaces’ dimensions in the different sections of the block, three types of organization appear: corridor-type, double-tract type, and gallery type.

The corridor type is the most suitable for competition conditions that refer to spatial organization. The solution of our team represents an attempt for enhancement of this type in order to avoid the dark corridors. On certain distances the skylights have been placed which significance reflects in lighting and ventilation. The quality of the space has been further improved by introducing the longitudinal gaps, which contribute to the better brightness, ventilation, and orientation inside of the structure.

The building is raised above the ground, in order to create continuity with the surrounding terrain inside of the atrium. The quality of being open provides variability and diversity of the ambiances. Covered corridors along the ground floor of the structure provide a connection among spaces and make communications easier during all seasons.

Construction consists of raster with the side lengths of 3.6 m, 3.9 m, 4.2 m, 4.5 m and 4.8 m. They contribute to rationalization of building and to the possibility of space modification at the same time. Particular attention was paid to content distribution. Public content is located in the ground floor, while housing units are situated in the four floors above. People with disabilities are provided with proper conditions for the use of space. The tendency was to achieve a large number of double-oriented apartments.

Possibility of tranformation of inner courtyards is anticipated. School building is located within one of the courtyards and it displays the potential for modification of these public spaces’ character, in compliance with user needs. According to the project task requirements, realization in phases is provided.

Main traffic communication is established along the rim of the block. Inner courtyards are traffic-free, except for cases of emergency interventions. Strip of dense greenery represents a buffer zone between residential area and intensive traffic road. Besides the open parking lot within the complex, additional linear parking is provided along the block perimeter.

Architects: MITarh Architecture Studio
Location: Ovča, Belgrade, Serbia
Authors: Branislav Mitrović, architect; Biljana Apostolović, architect; Jelena Perović, architect; Ognjen Krašna, architect
Designers: Katarina Tešić, architect
Collaborators: Dragana Grahovac, architect; Dragana Jeremić, architect; Jelena Ugrešić, architect; Jelena Kuzmanović, architect; Milica Lambrin, architect
Model: Monika Jovanović, architect; Ivan Alfeldi, architect
Consultant: Siniša Tatalović, architect
3D views: Darko Kadvanj, architect
Timeline: Competition design – October 2011
Prize: Honorary mention