Becoming Nature

Becoming nature

Central to our approach is the concept of ecological urbanism, which seeks to enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and promote resilience to climate change.

Our proposal for the Trebinje Congress Centre in Bosnia and Herzegovina is rooted in the creation of a symbiotic relationship between the landscape and architecture. We aim to craft a new public space that serves as a symbolic destination for both the citizens of Seoul and the international community, while also integrating sustainable and ecological design practices.

In response to the brief, our design endeavors to stimulate and generate a unique experience, maintaining the historical and artistic values of the place while creating an innovative urban ecology that fuses the man-made and the natural for future generations to cherish. Central to our approach is the concept of ecological urbanism, which seeks to enhance biodiversity, improve air and water quality, and promote resilience to climate change. Our proposal constructs a civic generator, blending tradition, innovation, and participation into a creative landscape of wonder. Embracing the country’s ancient heritage, encompassing architecture, science, literature, visual arts, music, sports, and cuisine, our design incorporates this diverse cultural tapestry into its development. By integrating this landscape urbanism with nature, we ensure accessibility to the site while enhancing movement through a strategic circulation plan, offering panoramic views and vistas that unfold in a cinematic manner as one traverses the space.

Drawing inspiration from Kulin Ban’s plate discovered in Biskupići, near Visoko, our project utilizes a series of structural plates to define and give identity to key features such as the 1,000-seat conference hall, 150-seat concert hall, reception areas, exhibition spaces, plenary rooms, a restaurant, press center, and auxiliary facilities. Embracing an open green space, our design serves as a civic generator, delicately balancing the needs of both local and global audiences by embracing the unique elemental characteristics of the city.

In addition to these sustainable design strategies, our proposal emphasizes social sustainability, fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, and cultural identity. By providing accessible green spaces, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and opportunities for social interaction and cultural exchange, we aim to create a vibrant and inclusive public realm that enriches the lives of residents and visitors alike. Our proposal presents an opportunity to create a new type of public space, serving as a symbolic and versatile urban hub. By fostering a sense of place conducive to outdoor cultural, leisure, and social activities alongside commercial interests, we aim to stimulate urban vitality and activity within the area. While meeting volumetric requirements, our design minimizes the footprint of buildings on site, allowing for continuous flow and integration with the surrounding environment, thereby expanding opportunities for site integration and area development.

In summary, our proposal for the Trebinje Congress Centre is rooted in a deep commitment to sustainability and ecological stewardship. By embracing innovative design practices and principles of ecological urbanism, we aspire to create a project that not only enhances the quality of the built environment but also serves as a catalyst for positive social and environmental change.