ORTY MINE - RECULTIVATION
The visitor center project is closely linked to the unique location of Ortů. This mystical place, shaped by human hands, has become an inspiration for the architectural design, which strives to respect the original topography and natural processes. The design emphasizes the integration of natural elements and sustainability, with a vision of future recycling and long-term harmony between humans and the landscape.
ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of the visitor center is deeply rooted in the local topography, which significantly influences both the location of the structures and their architectural expression. The building adapts naturally to the terrain and reflects it in many ways. The layout of the main visitor center becomes a kind of "inverted" echo of the underground, where full spaces alternate with empty ones and vice versa. This play with volume and space is also reflected in the interior, where light openings in the ceiling structures are an important element that naturally connects the interior and exterior environments. The material solution for the building is inspired by the geology of the site. The concrete structures are layered with an admixture of iron oxides, which reflects the color and structure of the surrounding rocks and ensures the natural integration of the building into the landscape. The walls of the buildings are designed to naturally undergo colonization by mosses and lichens over time, making the architecture an organic part of the natural environment.
BUILDING FUNCTIONS
The visitor center is designed to provide maximum comfort for visitors and make efficient use of the available space. The main functions of the building are divided into several parts, which are incorporated into architectural niches and caverns. These spaces serve as exhibition galleries, lecture rooms, relaxation areas, and information centers. The ceiling structures, which allow natural light to penetrate, create an interior atmosphere that is conducive to all kinds of activities. The building is designed with flexibility in mind – if necessary, some parts of the building can be closed off using sliding grilles, which ensure the security of the building outside operating hours. This maintains a balance between open space for visitors and security of property when staff are not present. The design also allows for the possibility that some of the planned parts of the building, such as the caretaker's apartment, may be implemented at later stages of the project without disrupting the overall composition of the building.
The visitor center project in Ortech is an example of the harmonious interconnection of architecture, nature, and the history of the place. The design reflects a careful approach to protecting the local landscape, which has been significantly altered by mining activities in the past. The visitor center is conceived as a gateway to understanding this unique environment, which was shaped by humans and subsequently recolonized by natural processes.
In addition to the visitor center building itself, the project also includes a comprehensive system of trails and paths that guide visitors through the entire site. These trails are not designed in strict geometric lines, but rather follow the local topography and historical traces in the landscape. The main access road is clearly defined and is complemented by a "slow path" that allows visitors to explore the landscape at their own pace. Along this path, there are small interventions and stops that use the landscape's relief and vegetation to interact with visitors.
These elements are not only aesthetic additions, but also have educational and recreational functions, enhancing the visitor experience. The visitor center itself is designed to be environmentally friendly, with an emphasis on minimizing light pollution and utilizing natural resources. All informational and educational activities are concentrated within the building, which allows the grounds to remain clean and undisturbed by excessive technical installations.
The parking lot, which is an essential part of the project, is designed as an environmentally friendly area that blends in with the surrounding landscape. The entire visitor center project in Ortech is thus more than just an architectural achievement—it is a comprehensive vision of the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, where the past, present, and future intersect in a unique dialogue with the landscape.
Project: 2024
Usable area: approximately 750 m2
Location: Orty u Borku, České Budějovice, Jihočeský kraj
Co-authors: studio JinJan, Ing. Vladimír Sitta
