THE MAGIC OF THE WALL

 

SPATIAL CONCEPT

 

Our design of the Collider Activity Center in Sofia presents an original contemporary sports center, based on extensive sociological and psychological research and the newest architectural trends in similar buildings for recreation and sports.

The form of the building developed from the crossing between the dynamic elongated axis of the climbing facilities and the transverse accentuated element that views all the active interior spaces of the building. This is what we call the “magic of the wall”.

We create an interesting space open to a green garden and the park, which acts as a focal point to all the levels of the climbing center. It provides good communication and natural orientation among all the activity areas and fosters the desired interaction between the people and the varied functions. A grand staircase, easily perceived in the interior and a panoramic elevator connect the levels and give access to all recreational areas. This visible vertical communication further enriches the spatial perception and enlivens the building as a whole.

The building is situated in the west part of the plot, so that its volume acts as a natural barrier to protect the green park space from the noise. The main façade attraction is the climbing wall that is partially enclosed in the interior by an inclined curtain wall near the entrance. In this manner, climbing becomes an active element, a type of on-going show that attracts new customers and exposes it to people who have never been interested in climbing before. This wall creates a very original landmark in the area, easily recognizable from a distance.

 

FUNCTIONAL ZONING

At level 0.00 the clients enter an impressive spacious lobby from which they have direct contact with all the functional zones of the building. On this level are situated the main restaurant, the fitness hall, as well as dressing rooms and kitchen service. Here is also the main approach towards the administrative area. The lobby is in direct contact with Funtopia and the space of the main climbing hall. The customers entering the lobby can see all the way through the green space garden to the outside sports facilities in the opposite end of the building. The total floor are of level one is 1520,20 m2.

Level -1.90 is a transitional floor that contains mainly offices and its total area amounts to 317,1 m2.

On level -5.00 are situated the main climbing halls (Bolders and walls) as well as SPA, lower level of the restaurant, kitchen and service facilities. A grand bar at the lobby with 45 seats invites the customers to sit down and become spectators to the climbers on the walls. The main connection with the underground parking spaces takes place on this level, as well as the servicing of the building (truck entrance). The roof of the 15-meters-tall climbing hall opens to the outside and in case of good weather conditions will increase the climbing wall with another 7 – 8 meters. The south wall also opens up rotating around its vertical axis and creates more varied and dynamic environment for the climbers. The main space for climbing is open, bathed in sunlight and resembles a mountain canyon.  On this level the building is connected to the outside swimming pools and the lower level of the green garden that unfolds itself as a green amphitheater between the boulders and the park. The total floor are of level -5.00 is 4169,1 m2.

At level -8.30 are the main HVAC facilities as well as storage and staff rooms. Total floor area is 1115,1 m2.

On level +4.50 lies the multifunctional hall and the second level of Funtopia. By standing at the several galleries hanging above the main climbing hall, the clients can view and enjoy the interactive building space. The total floor are of level +4.50 is 1314,60m2.

On the next level, +8.80, is the partially-covered café-terrace, that offers a marvelous view of Vitosha mountain, the park, the swimming pools and the climbing halls in the interior.

The administration together with HVAC facilities below the roof is situated in a single volume of a total of 5 levels in the north part of the complex.

The design also deals with the green park zone. Through the glass awning over the green garden, the interior space extends into the park, enriching it with activities. The strict coordinate system of the boulders in the park interacts dynamically with the free-form swimming pools, beach volleyball and alleys. They create a landmark ensemble that when lit at night makes an even greater impression. Next to the pool, we placed a wall for climbing above the water surface. All above-ground parking spaces are placed on grass covered by grass reinforcement mesh that protects against the weight of the cars.