cosmos architecture proposes translucent cultural complex for city in bosnia and herzegovina

cosmos architecture has revealed its proposal for a multi-functional cultural complex to be constructed in banja luka, a city in bosnia and herzegovina. the design, which was submitted as part of a international design competition, contains space for performances, such as theater or ballet, as well as exhibtion galleries and restaurants. intended to be adaptable, interactive, and accessible, cosmos’ design — titled ‘common lights’ — involves creating a public square at ground level beneath the structure. this gesture results in a dynamic relationship between the city and the cultural activities taking place inside the building.

all images courtesy of cosmos architecture

cosmos architecture describes its scheme as both a ‘lighthouse’ that stands as more than just a new landmark for the region. ‘the proposal is a shared ecosystem that enables a conversation between many different fields of culture, a great meeting point of many professionals and interests,’ explains the design team. ‘it’s a place which invites and draws together artists, visitors, and the community of banja luka to meet with architecture, culture, knowledge, music, and nature.’

the building has been designed to be as flexible as possible, meaning that interior spaces can be used for temporary exhibitions or even dissembled completely. this also ensures that the structure has been ‘future-proofed’ for potential development in future. the site’s green surroundings will be preserved with a car park positioned below ground. above, the public square beneath the structure gradually descends to become indoor museum space.

administration areas are located on the first floor, with a restaurant on the storey above. two concert halls of different sizes occupy the third and fourth levels, while another restaurant is found on the fifth floor. two theater halls are positioned on the six and seventh storeys. finally, the top floor is crowned with temporary museum space.

‘activities do not take place in confined or hidden rooms but in transparent and open areas, allowing social and surprising discourse to happen in a cultural context,’ say the architects. ‘among the floating volumes, staircases and many intertwining connections will induce endless events and and unpredictable social moments. the new form is absorbing various complexities and transforming them as the new enriched identity, useful to regenerate and lead the growing city neighborhood.’

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project info:

name: common lights
location: banja luka, bosnia and herzegovina
architect: cosmos architecture
project team: oreste sanese, mohamed hassan el-gendy, nader moro, pietro paolo speziale