Lent Stolp
Basic information
Project Title
Lent Stolp
Full project title
A floating stage on Drava river for the Lent Festival
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
The Lent stolp is a wandering pavilion designed for the city of Maribor and the Lens festival. The aim has its roots in creating the relationship between the pavilion and the heritage of the city, which partially match with its architecture and its fluvial tradition. The project is made of two distinct architectural archetypes revised in a contemporary way: the pitched roof and
the raft. Therefore, the architecture of the pavilion is found in the cultural shape of the context.
the raft. Therefore, the architecture of the pavilion is found in the cultural shape of the context.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Maribor, Slovenia
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The Lent Stolp, a wandering pavilion designed for the city of Maribor and the Lent festival, is a project rooted in establishing a profound connectionto the city's heritage, drawing inspiration from two distinct architectural archetypes, the pitched roof and the raft, the pavilion embodies a contemporary reinterpretation of cultural shapes ingrained in the local context. Suspended by a balloon filled with helium, a drape gracefully covers the platform, acting as an ephemeral placemaker that adds vibrancy to the city. Anchored to the platform with ropes, this installation reflects a fusion of modern design and cultural context. The square-shaped stage with terraces, built for stability using timber for its ease of assembly and recyclability, offering versatility for hosting diverse events. The adaptable drape can be added or removed based on the occasion, ensuring flexibility in its use. Sustainability is at the core of the Lent Stolp's design, with timber as the main material due to its sustainable sourcing and recyclability. The pavilion's mobility is facilitated by deflating the helium balloon, allowing easy transportation to various fluvial or maritime locations. Access to the pavilion is made inclusive through a removable bridge, designed with hinges to address challenges posed by fluctuations in the Drava water level. Enriching the local landscape, the Lent Stolp contributes to the cultural vibrancy of Maribor and fosters a sense of community engagement. Its materials and design underscore a commitment to environmental responsibility, aligning with the challenges in the Slovenian territory, where preserving natural resources is paramount. Moreover, the pavilion's inclusive design, ensures accessibility for all, promoting a sense of community participation and togetherness. In essence, the Lent Stolp is not merely an architectural structure but a catalyst for enrichment, sustainability, and inclusivity, recognizing the visitor as the true protagonist.
Key objectives for sustainability
Durability and easy transportation - The pavilion is designed for multiple events along the Drava River, emphasizing its durability as a key feature. Recycled plastic barrels provide buoyancy to the platform, supporting the wooden structure. The roof consists of a balloon covered by a technical fabric sheet, known for its lightness, facilitating adjustments in the pavilion's height to pass under the river's connecting bridges. Its easy assembly, robust wooden structure, and straightforward details allow for repeated use year after year.
Reusable materials - Most of the pavilion's mass concentrates in the platform, primarily constructed from wood (glulam or lath). In the event that the decision is made to stop using the pavilion, the platform can be entirely disassembled and reused for other purposes. The balloon and technical fabric are made from performance fabrics certified for exceptional durability, suitable for numerous events, with exceptions in special cases. In case of realization, some production companies could get back the textiles and introduce them back in the chain process.
The combination of durability, sustainable materials, and transportation via the river minimizes CO2 emissions and reduces land use. Moving a piece of public land over the water not only lessens CO2 emissions but also returns space on land to the citizens and locally improve the mobility during the Lent Festival
Reusable materials - Most of the pavilion's mass concentrates in the platform, primarily constructed from wood (glulam or lath). In the event that the decision is made to stop using the pavilion, the platform can be entirely disassembled and reused for other purposes. The balloon and technical fabric are made from performance fabrics certified for exceptional durability, suitable for numerous events, with exceptions in special cases. In case of realization, some production companies could get back the textiles and introduce them back in the chain process.
The combination of durability, sustainable materials, and transportation via the river minimizes CO2 emissions and reduces land use. Moving a piece of public land over the water not only lessens CO2 emissions but also returns space on land to the citizens and locally improve the mobility during the Lent Festival
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
In this specific case, aesthetics and people's experiences are strongly linked. Firstly, the pavilion draws inspiration from the exquisite geometric shapes of Maribor's rooftops. Positioned between the Vodni Stolp and the Sodni Stolp during the event, the pavilion's placement aims to engage citizens at the riverside on a urban level. The intention is for those strolling along the banks to appreciate this connection and be fascinated by the stark contrast between the weightiness of the context and the airiness of the pavilion.
Once at the pavilion, visitors will encounter floating white geometric shapes swaying with the wind and the gentle river movements. They'll have the opportunity to sit on the banks and enjoy a concert, talk show, or theater performance. The platform serves as a stage, while the roof becomes a scenographic set. Post-event, visitors can access the platform, relishing the scenery, reading a book, or socializing with friends. The platform and roof frame the landscape, offering a continuous view beneath what seems like a very lightweight dome. Floating between wate
The platform can also accommodate exhibitions, performances, or wine tastings that don't require the balloon. It can be easily removed and reinstalled the next day. The pavilion serves as a playful object aiming to attract attention by piquing the curiosity of those walking along the Drava River. It's a pavilion designed to be observed yet fully usable. It represents an unconventional reclamation of the river itself, between water and the sky.
Once at the pavilion, visitors will encounter floating white geometric shapes swaying with the wind and the gentle river movements. They'll have the opportunity to sit on the banks and enjoy a concert, talk show, or theater performance. The platform serves as a stage, while the roof becomes a scenographic set. Post-event, visitors can access the platform, relishing the scenery, reading a book, or socializing with friends. The platform and roof frame the landscape, offering a continuous view beneath what seems like a very lightweight dome. Floating between wate
The platform can also accommodate exhibitions, performances, or wine tastings that don't require the balloon. It can be easily removed and reinstalled the next day. The pavilion serves as a playful object aiming to attract attention by piquing the curiosity of those walking along the Drava River. It's a pavilion designed to be observed yet fully usable. It represents an unconventional reclamation of the river itself, between water and the sky.
Key objectives for inclusion
The Lent Stolp serves multiple functions depending on the hosted event, providing different experiences for visitors. Regardless of the occasion, the pavilion remains accessible to anyone interested in visiting. In case there will be seatings arranged along the waterfront, the audience can enjoy the show from a distance, turning the pavilion into a picturesque backdrop. Additionally, there is direct access via a specially designed wooden walkway, allowing anyone to ascend to the platform, which can be adjusted in terms of inclination. It is advisable for individuals with reduced mobility or visual impairment to have a companion for a safe fruition.
The stability of the platform is ensured through secure moorings, preventing sudden movements. The vertical forces exerted by the balloon are almost entirely offset by the weight of the drape covering it, with calculations from the manufacturer indicating a mere 50 kg of vertical thrust. Consequently, the balloon does not induce any oscillation in the platform. In the case of strong winds, the balloon can lay and anchored on the platform. Moreover, the triangular perimeter elements serve not only as decorative features, concealing the underlying structure, but also as railings that restrict direct access to the water to specific points.
The stability of the platform is ensured through secure moorings, preventing sudden movements. The vertical forces exerted by the balloon are almost entirely offset by the weight of the drape covering it, with calculations from the manufacturer indicating a mere 50 kg of vertical thrust. Consequently, the balloon does not induce any oscillation in the platform. In the case of strong winds, the balloon can lay and anchored on the platform. Moreover, the triangular perimeter elements serve not only as decorative features, concealing the underlying structure, but also as railings that restrict direct access to the water to specific points.
How Citizens benefit
For a few weeks each year, the population has the opportunity to enjoy a high-quality scenic space that temporarily reshape the city skyline. The primary theme, however, revolves around the re-appropriation of the river as public space. Historically, it served merely as a logistical route for transporting goods or timber from the forests to the city. In the past, citizens spent a significant amount of time among floating rafts and boats, but in more recent times, it has fallen into disuse. The re-appropriation of the river is crucial for reconnecting with one's roots and preventing the city's history from being forgotten, achieved through a simple yet impactful intervention. The ability to directly access the platform turns it into a genuine social device, enabling people to rediscover a perspective of the city and surrounding nature that was once lost.
In truth, there was no direct citizen participation in the creative process. Nevertheless, the project resulted from an ideas competition organized by the municipality of Maribor and a well-known local architecture and design magazine. Together with a jury of local experts, they selected it as the winning project. It's also worth considering the possibility of organizing an exhibition dedicated to the selected projects, aimed at engaging citizens in discussions on how best to implement the design, optimizing it in terms of cost and sustainability. Naturally, in the construction phase, small local companies would be involved in the production, especially carpenters and masons.
In truth, there was no direct citizen participation in the creative process. Nevertheless, the project resulted from an ideas competition organized by the municipality of Maribor and a well-known local architecture and design magazine. Together with a jury of local experts, they selected it as the winning project. It's also worth considering the possibility of organizing an exhibition dedicated to the selected projects, aimed at engaging citizens in discussions on how best to implement the design, optimizing it in terms of cost and sustainability. Naturally, in the construction phase, small local companies would be involved in the production, especially carpenters and masons.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
Usually, the design of pavilions for such events involves a static design, with one-way interaction of the public. Lent Stolp is a fluid design that interacts with multiple aspects including society, urbanism, stage design and art in general. The captivating aspect is primarily the translation of architectural aspects in an alternative way. There would be nothing more beautiful than to see Lent Stolp wander along the Drava River, as the city of Venice did by transporting Aldo Rossi's Teatro del Mondo along the Grand Canal.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The Lent Stolp's design, primarily conceived as a stage, harmoniously merges architecture, stage design, and performance art. Throughout the creative process, their interaction was crucial, addressing functional and choreographic needs for a purposeful design. This collaboration yielded a holistic approach, with each discipline contributing uniquely.
Architecturally, the focus was on "firmitas" - ensuring structural integrity and integration with the environment. Elements like the wooden walkway, triangular perimeter, form, shape and the main principles behind the concept exemplify safety and aesthetic integration.
Drawing from stage design principles, the pavilion prioritized "venustas," enhancing visual and aesthetic aspects. Inspired by stage dynamics, the design aimed at creating an engaging experience, aligning the pavilion's appearance and audience interaction with stage principles.
The choreographic needs were met through insights from performance art. Understanding how the platform would function as a stage, required a knowledge in performance art. This ensured the design not only to met technical requirements but also provided a dynamic and versatile space for different types of performances and events. The integration of these three disciplines allowed for a comprehensive exploration of Vitruvian principles, with "utilitas" being a common thread.
Architecturally, the focus was on "firmitas" - ensuring structural integrity and integration with the environment. Elements like the wooden walkway, triangular perimeter, form, shape and the main principles behind the concept exemplify safety and aesthetic integration.
Drawing from stage design principles, the pavilion prioritized "venustas," enhancing visual and aesthetic aspects. Inspired by stage dynamics, the design aimed at creating an engaging experience, aligning the pavilion's appearance and audience interaction with stage principles.
The choreographic needs were met through insights from performance art. Understanding how the platform would function as a stage, required a knowledge in performance art. This ensured the design not only to met technical requirements but also provided a dynamic and versatile space for different types of performances and events. The integration of these three disciplines allowed for a comprehensive exploration of Vitruvian principles, with "utilitas" being a common thread.
Methodology used
The methodology applied in the creative process is well exemplified in the first diagrams of the attached document. In order to conceptually link the pavilion to the historical and modern context of the city, it was important to take inspiration from its river tradition and built environment. These two reference points served to define concrete constraints to be interwoven with the requirements of the call for tenders and the architectural typology.
How stakeholders are engaged
As already mentioned, the project was the winner of an open call launched by the municipality of Maribor. Consequently, the organization was carried out by a public body and not by a real private stakeholder. It was scheduled for completion in June 2023, but due to internal problems within the municipality, it was not possible to proceed with the realization. In any case, the organizers shared the project on various online platforms to make the population aware of how the Lent Festival could change in 2023.
Anyway, the added value of engaging stakeholders at different levels lies in the diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources they bring to the project. Local stakeholders contribute a deep understanding of the community's needs and preferences, ensuring the project resonates with the local population.
Anyway, the added value of engaging stakeholders at different levels lies in the diverse perspectives, expertise, and resources they bring to the project. Local stakeholders contribute a deep understanding of the community's needs and preferences, ensuring the project resonates with the local population.
Global challenges
The Lent Stolp project navigates and provides solutions to several pressing global challenges through a lens of local innovation.
In response to the global challenge of urban fragmentation, where public spaces often lack meaningful community connections, Lent Stolp redefines the use of the river as a communal area. It transforms an underused space into a dynamic one, addressing the need for urban re-appropriation and fostering local connectivity.
The project also grapples with the broader concern of balancing modern development with cultural preservation. By drawing inspiration from the city's river tradition, Lent Stolp integrates historical elements into a contemporary structure, contributing to the global dialogue on sustaining cultural identity in urban landscapes.
Sustainability in architecture is a global imperative, and Lent Stolp provides a unique local solution. Its durable and upcycle nature challenges the notion of single-use structures, showcasing that functionality and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Lastly, Lent Stolp responds to the global issue of static public spaces. Instead of offering a fixed environment, the project's adaptability for various events demonstrates the potential for dynamic urban spaces that can cater to diverse community needs.
In summary, Lent Stolp exemplifies how addressing global challenges requires localized, community-centric solutions. Its innovative approach, weaving together local context and global concerns, offers insights applicable to the broader discourse on urban development, cultural preservation, sustainability and the dynamic use of public spaces.
In response to the global challenge of urban fragmentation, where public spaces often lack meaningful community connections, Lent Stolp redefines the use of the river as a communal area. It transforms an underused space into a dynamic one, addressing the need for urban re-appropriation and fostering local connectivity.
The project also grapples with the broader concern of balancing modern development with cultural preservation. By drawing inspiration from the city's river tradition, Lent Stolp integrates historical elements into a contemporary structure, contributing to the global dialogue on sustaining cultural identity in urban landscapes.
Sustainability in architecture is a global imperative, and Lent Stolp provides a unique local solution. Its durable and upcycle nature challenges the notion of single-use structures, showcasing that functionality and environmental responsibility can coexist.
Lastly, Lent Stolp responds to the global issue of static public spaces. Instead of offering a fixed environment, the project's adaptability for various events demonstrates the potential for dynamic urban spaces that can cater to diverse community needs.
In summary, Lent Stolp exemplifies how addressing global challenges requires localized, community-centric solutions. Its innovative approach, weaving together local context and global concerns, offers insights applicable to the broader discourse on urban development, cultural preservation, sustainability and the dynamic use of public spaces.
Learning transferred to other parties
The pavilion is completely demountable and easily handled for transport, especially by river. The balloon itself, once deflated, and the cloth covering it takes up minimal space and their weight is almost insignificant compared to the amount of wood used. Moreover, being formally simple, it can be replicated wherever it is possible to involve non-specialised workers as it is composed of simple and intuitive details that follow the principle of architectural tectonics.
Keywords
Ephemeral
Floating
Perforance
Leisure
Citizens
