International Competition for Multifunctional Hall / Congress Center Banja Luka [BAB 2021]

Abstract

The multifunctional center in Banja Luka creates a new cultural image of the development area by encouraging interaction between different social communities and disciplines. The new city center of Banja Luka is presented through a modern architectural expression that follows the hybrid character of the complex. This space is a theater, a space for public gathering, a place of exhibitions and galleries, a flexible and experimental space for events, lectures, congresses and celebrations - a place of exchange and cooperation. The aim of the project is to establish a quality relationship between different program requirements in order to achieve a compact and attractive space that builds the contemporary identity of Banja Luka. The presented project opens the possibility for activating not only the hybrid congress center, but also the surrounding urban environment through an expanded offer of culture, hospitality and tourism. The small concert and congress hall contains 207 seats. The theater is divided into 3 parts: ground floor (509 seats), gallery (181 seats) and two VIP boxes (2 * 10 seats). The large concert and congress hall is also divided into 3 parts: ground floor (1020 seats), gallery (430 seats) and two VIP boxes (20 and 30 seats). By dividing the units, the halls can be adjusted to the quantity and type of visitors. In addition, the geometries of the small and large concert halls have been optimized in order to achieve highest acoustic performance. Generative algorithms were used for constructing the geometry of walls and ceilings (based on defined rules and variable parameters), which then simulate the reflection of rays from the sound source to the surfaces of the listeners and measure the given numerical values. After that, evolutionary algorithms were used in order to generate and test variant solutions by changing the parameters for generating structures. The optimization criteria are to distribute the first pair of sound reflections evenly over all measured surfaces and to reduce the places where the ray concentration is too big or small. The final results of the simulations were subsequently checked with more applicable materials in the acoustics testing software; reverberation periods of about 2 s were obtained, which is optimal for a given type of use. The advantage of this approach is reflected in the fact that the algorithm tested 7426 different solutions for the congress hall within 9 hours, and 1242 for a small concert hall for 2 hours. The idea is to set the principle according to which the geometry is constructed coming to a solution through the optimization of the form, where each element in the space is checked and precisely defined, forming the ambience of high aesthetic values. Although the presented program is often defined as a series of separate spaces supported by different user groups, this project provides an opportunity to network related functions within a single center. The articulation of functional units within separate zones and their connection by means of a closed foyer creates an interspace in which the possibility of cross-exchange increases and encourages networking between the performing arts. The modern congress center of Banja Luka can become a significant landmark of the city, inviting new experiences of cultural content. Combining business, cultural and entertainment activities in one place, the congress center complements the existing offer of city and represents a unique catalyst for dynamic development at the local and global level.