In the modern, constantly changing world it is crucial to preserve our architectural heritage, that has been a witness to many historical events and is a crucial part of people's identity. Preservation should not only consist in making them monuments and reminders of the past but also in making them an active element of society's life, e.g. by placing new functions, that will attract people.     

Piscina MIrabilis dates back to the Augustan Age. It was created as a container that stored flowing water, transported by the aqueduct. The reservoir is based on a regular grid of pillars and arcs, with vaulted ceilings. Thanks to it’s gigantic dimensions, it’s 72m long and 27m wide, it can be considered as one of the biggest Roman reservoirs ever known until now.

Main concept     

Our main focus was to create a diverse space embracing the natural structure of Pisina Mirabilis. To exploit as much volume as possible four different levels were created, two above ground and two inside of the reservoir. All of them are connected by a slope. The exhibition areas of the contemporary art museum are located in a variety of boxes. Inside of solid ones, transparent ones and some of them even inside the non-pecuniary boxes, made with unconventional walls - light and sound walls. This gives the possibility to highlight a particular artwork in the best way possible.     

The roof includes an extension of the exhibition path, which leads on top of the auditorium and restaurant. The whole area is covered in greenery adorned by outdoor art pieces. As an additional attraction the space next to the auditory was used as an open-air cinema.    

The renewed building not only allows us to experience art in an historical environment but also provides us with new outdoor activities and places to spend our free time.