The Problem: A disconnecting wall The wall disconnects the river from the landscape and architecture. The Odra River is not accessible due to the wall. One could think that this is a negative attribute of the space, yet it creates a place of solitude, comfort and ease. The visitor of the gardens behind the wall can use his or her senses to inhale the view, the sounds and the smells of those spaces.
the wall
the river
the garden
the view
In contrast to this place of solitude, one can find an open, inviting and dynamic place on the opposite riverbank. The boulevard offers an easy access to the Odra River and allows a beautiful panoramic view of the other riverside with all its different sights such as the cathedral or the “Lovers Bridge�– just like a theatre. But it can be quite a challenge to concentrate on the view and soak in its beauty due to the changing amount of visitors and sources of distraction. This is why we created the Odra Theatre, which transfers the place of solitude to the southern riverbank. Each theatre booth is made for one person and allows the view of one sight on the other riverside. It lets the visitor experience a place of solitude with the senses of sight and hearing. Reducing the senses to these two gives the possibility to concentrate and take a rest from everyday life with its overload of information and impressions.
the stairs
The Theatre Booths The booths transfer the experiences from one riverside to the other by framing the view and bringing the sound of the sights into the booths. The form or atmosphere of each booth is created to represent the sight that is visible though the small windows. In this way the booths represent the spaces on the other riverside and emphasize their meaning. The booths are covered with mirrors to become invisible and blend with the space. In this way, they do not take away the identity of the space but reflect and enhance it.
the booths at the stairs
Each booth is placed in the spot at the boulevard that offers the best view of the presented sight. The skyline and identity of the view is formed by two main attributes: architecture and nature. This is why the sights that are highlighted through the booths represent both of them. The booths are created for the cathedral, the church, water & sky, the bridge, the White House, the Graphic House and one gate.
location of booths and sights
real size model of the „zen booth“