The physical space influences people in direct and varied ways and it strongly impacts the manner in which individuals conduct their social and business lives. A public space can be viewed as the physical element which invites people to see or be seen, but it also stands as a vibrant object that can be consumed collectively by all the inhabitants of the city.  Thus, an ideal public space is one that manages to combine architectural meaning with philosophical significance.

A contemporary public space can be complex and fragmented, up to the point of becoming semi-public. The elements that render its semi-public character can range from the functions of hotels, of airports, malls, amusement parks, to business centers and their adjacent units.   

 

The inherent need for a public space rises out of its useful role in socialization, recreation and business activities. It becomes the basis for a balanced and coherent link between all the daily activities of the inhabitants.

 

This project proposes a business center developed on 24 levels, which balances light and colour in order to create an enjoyable work space for the employees.  

Positioned in a busy urban area (Calea Vacaresti intersecting with Gheorghe Sincai, near the Timpuri Noi metro station), the building represents not only an urban landmark but also a unique vertical element. Positioned right at the center of the intersection, it becomes so strikingly visible that it catches the attention of both the pedestrians and incoming traffic.

The emerging public and semi-public spaces adjacent to the building complement the neighbourhood through their diverse functions (mall,amphitheatre, urban square) which also benefit the inhabitants, the employees from the immediate office buildings, businessmen and their fruitful meetings.

 

The public space (the basement) combines with semi-public elements in order to create several semi-private spaces such as the entresol and the upper floors. The ground floor and the entrresol are mostly reserved for businessmen because they contain a reception, diverse commercial galleries, newspaper stands, etc. Additionally, there is a restaurant and a bar, whose open view terrace facilitates business meeting that might take place in the area.

The entresol, with its semi-private character is mostly reserved for the employees. They can enjoy the cafeteria and a generous space for cultural and business events ( a multi-functional room, two conference rooms and a gallery).

 

The first basement is used entirely as a public space. The English garden found at its center becomes a recreational and cultural space,  especially emphasized through the amphitheatre which serves for various concerts, entertainment shows).

For commerce and other similar activities, we choose the English garden which places different shops (beauty shop, fitness and massage centers, pharmacies, dry cleaning, coffee shops) in a semicircular shape which allows for communication with the outside and with nature through the open-air escalators.  

The in-between space provides a common area between the shops and the generous commercial space, in which visitors can relax. Being placed at the basement level, this space quickly becomes a symbolic oasis contrasting with the busy city life. The first floor contains a parking lot for businessmen. The amphitheatre makes its mark through its utility for various events, but it can also be used as a resting place, as a patch of grass between glass walls.

The urban square which is paved with exterior hardwood floors, with patches of grass and a line of trees, becomes a unique green presence in the area. The relaxed background which is so needed in such an urban place, can be easily enjoyed here.  

The second basement is a functional parking lot for the employees and has a generous space for technical rooms.

The tower which accommodates the office spaces makes itself remarked through the glass panels and its sun shading structure which gives a playful facade. This layer made of brise – soleil offers protection, but it is built in such a way to open and communicate with the exterior environment. The entrance is also protected by a glass dome supported by a metallic structure.

The project brings diversity to the surrounding area and facilitates social interactions by bringing together business and pleasure.