The Trade Union House in Bratislava belongs to the iconic works of modern architecture of the 20th century. Yet the building’s potential of becoming a congress and cultural centre is still greatly underrated by the city. It represents a unique public place with a rich history and great cultural value. By destroying this work an important historical period and essential part of the city’s identity would be erased as well.
This thesis aims to demonstrate a revitalization of the abandoned Palace of Culture and turn it into an inhabited monument adapted to the current needs of a city it is located in. Furthermore, it intends to point out that even in non-democratic conditions it was possible to create exceptional architecture and overcome ideological limitations. The design proposal deals with the building ensemble and displays the spatial relations and synergy between the new and the old. Above all, the vision of the area and buildings left to decay is to renew their role as a part of the city’s identity.