ondrej kovac
student
Faculty of Architecture and Design STU in Bratislava
Slovakia
Architecture
This project focuses on the design of the Centre for Croatian Culture, located in the Jarovce district, which represents an important cultural hub for the… more
Saeed Amini
advisor
Tehran University of Art
United Arab Emirates
I am an architect, researcher, and architectural critic who views architecture not merely as a… more
this project is valued for its clear conceptual stance and its strong civic ambition to act as an open, inclusive cultural platform for the Croatian minority in Jarovce, successfully translating ideas of accessibility, transparency, and community into architectural form. The contrast between the compact horizontal mass and the rotated vertical service volume is a well-chosen compositional strategy that brings spatial tension, orientation, and identity to the building while enriching its relationship to the public realm. The intention to maintain permeability between interior and exterior is convincingly expressed through the generous glazing and the use of a perforated façade as a mediating filter. The structural logic based on a regular column grid provides a flexible and robust framework for multifunctional use, and the folded concrete roof over the hall is an especially strong architectural gesture, contributing both to daylight quality and spatial character. The restrained material palette of exposed concrete, metal, and glass reinforces the project’s clarity and authenticity, resulting in an architecturally consistent and contextually sensitive proposal with a strong public presence and cultural significance.
While the project presents a strong and coherent architectural concept, the relationship between the public exterior spaces and the main interior functions could be further strengthened through a clearer articulation of entrances and transitional zones to enhance wayfinding and everyday usability. The rotated service volume is a distinctive and powerful gesture; however, its impact on internal circulation and spatial efficiency could be more thoroughly optimized to avoid potential residual or underused spaces. Greater attention could also be given to the human scale at ground level, particularly through façade detailing, material transitions, and outdoor furnishings that would support a more inviting pedestrian experience. Although transparency is a key intention of the design, additional consideration of solar control, glare, and thermal comfort especially in heavily glazed areas would improve environmental performance. Finally, the cultural and community character of the center could be reinforced through more explicitly designed outdoor gathering spaces that support informal events and everyday social interaction beyond the main hall.
07.12.2025