MSA Stage 5 School of Architecture
Iskren Ivanov
Citadel of Culture
Throughout centuries of urban developments, cities have undergone many changes and influences. Many of these narratives and stories have contributed to the cities’ complex tapestry and have been lost beneath the bustling streets and contemporary façades. The main ambition is to create a connection between the past and present through architecture. While shaping an inclusive proposition, encompassing a scope of cultural activities from educational to artistic performances for people from diverse range of ethnicities, traditions and cultures.
The architectural strategies and testing of the thesis aim to convert the energy and spirit of the 350 years old military fortification Saint Nicolas in Marseille from what once was controlling power, now losing its purpose, opening up opportunities to adaptively transform it into the city’s heart of freedom through art, theatre and music, while also maintaining its heritage and historical values. By creating new access points, green spaces and lightweight timber structural installations, insertions and interventions, the proposal attempts to transform a closed off area into an open and accessible for the public part of the city.
Through the art of performance and theatre it becomes possible to connect with past cultures, moments and stories. It is a true way to experience and spiritually travel in time because the performances are absorbed through all the human senses – sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste. Architecture can further enhance these sensations, especially by drawing connections from history into present and contemporary developments. Even further, repurposing an existing building with great cultural and historical value into theatrical programme already has a sense of narrative, which is not possible to recreate within a new building. This way the stories are told not only by the performers but also the architecture itself, creating truly special experiences.
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Technological Integration
The built environment contributes with 42% to the global CO2 emissions annually, where just the steel, iron, aluminium and cement used as materials in buildings and infrastructure is 11.6%.1
This proposal attempts to challenge the case studies of adaptive reuse of historic fortifications, which mainly use steel and concrete as the main structural material to build the required spaces. By focusing on mass timber elements for structures and envelope, which is a naturally sourced material and minimises the use for steel. Therefore, aiming for a more sustainable and beneficial to human health solution.
The choice of timber is also a design decision to create a connection with the existing stone as natural materials. Historically both were primarily used in medieval times construction, which would add extra value to the overall historic experience. However, the new timber uses modern engineered principles, which create a contrast between the old and new.
