Local Activity Centre (CAL), Rybnik, PL

The Local Activity Center is a project that aims to create a space to be the focal point for the life of the local residents and enable them to integrate. The architecture of the background, modest and blending into the surroundings, creates space rather than being the visible cubature itself. A place available to everyone, "at your fingertips", encouraging people to leave their homes, socialize and strengthen the bonds both with one another and - through the symbolism of the place and the shape of the buildings - between the district and the city. The project scope is to cover most of the districts, but in the first instance three of them were selected: Kłokocin, Ochojec, Paruszowiec. Each location has its own specific character therefore the challenge was to create a universal building – a symbol that identifies the city with the district, but is also flexible enough to be adapted to the different context of the place. The presented project meets these expectations on several levels - mainly in form and function – which can be modified depending on the needs and the situation. The structure of the building is based on a rectangular plan with a twisted roof surface. It also fulfills a utilitarian function through the design of the integrated seats, that can be used both during outdoor events as stands and in everyday use as resting places. The horizontal edge of the roof on one side of the building's façade conveys reference to flat roof developments, whereas the slant obtained by twisting the roof structure recalls buildings with sloping roofs. Also, in this way the building blends in with its surroundings. The possibility of free shaping of the structures, as well as the mutual positioning of objects in relation to each other while maintaining the character and expression at the same time, shows the versatility of the project and the possibility of its adaptation in any location.