Gathering Place Inspired by Classic Amphitheaters
Free open spaces where people can gather to share knowledge is vital to the wellbeing of any city, and Warsaw’s Brain Embassy AmphitheaterBEAis such a space. Every society needs a space for fireside chats, where citizens can listen to others, observe reality, and express oneself.
The architects wanted the BEA to become a place of meaningful gatherings and speeches. They see it as a new symbol for this part of Mokotów, and a fuel for change. Through this work of architecture, they represent their philosophy of searching for a new angle to things already known. The BEA is a place of comfort, where surrounded by nature, you’ll open yourself up to new experiences.
Accessible to any resident or employee of the neighborhood, the BEA is inspired by classic Greek and Roman amphitheaters. With its open-air tiered seating and skene hidden within a landscaped berm, the BEA gives Warsaw’s business district something that it sorely lacks: fenceless, public spaces, which allow for casual, friendly meetings out in the open.
The overall concept of the BEA is a concrete circle consisting of an orchestra space and seating beneath a glass velarium which is supported by a reinforced concrete wall. The glass velarium contains no mullions, and is held together by stainless steel spider fittings. The most expressive form in the design is a monumental concrete ring encircling both landscaped berm at its base, and tilted up to support the glass velarium. The angle of the concrete ring was purposefully chosen to allow for a seamless transition of the landscape into the auditorium.
The seating area can hold approximately 140 spectators, with widespread WIFI access, special seating for mobility challenged people, and independent lighting for each sector. The main stage, with an area of 40 m², is equipped with the newest AV wiring, which can be controlled on site from the director’s booth level.
The square around the BEA was rejuvenated with new stone pavers, flowing forms of green spaces, benches, and playgrounds. The project was built from scratch on the grounds belonging to the Adgar BIT building, in which the Brain Embassy is located.
Whether it is a daytime gathering of kids with their parents enjoying a small spectacle, a collection of teenagers being inspired by a speech, a group of adults discussing climate science, or an interesting activity that catches the attention of a passing cyclist, the BEA will be a dynamic place for Varsovians to intellectualize and plan for action.
Project: Brain Embassy Amphitheatre / Location: Adgar Bit, Konstruktorska 11, Warszawa / Design: mode:lina™ / Design team: Paweł Garus, Jerzy Wozniak, Magdalena Strag / Architectural design team: Ewa Pawlicka-Garus, Lidia Jezak, Beata Czarnocka, Monika Urbanek / Cooperation: Pracownia Architektoniczna Poznan-Projekt, DEMIURG PROJECT S.A., Pracownia Projektowa Jacek Kryske / General contractor: DM Building / Project manager: PM Services Poland Sp. z o.o. / Completion: 2020.9 / Photograph: Patryk Lewinski
