Location Type Time

Reviving NPAK- Architectural Competition
2019
Yerevan
NPAK is one of the best Contemporary Art centers in the region. It is situated in the heart of Yerevan, near the Main Avenue between Byuzand and Tchaikovsky streets. A slightly sloped area between the buildings of Innovative Art Center and Yerevan Project Institution is transformed into public space starting from Byuzand street and ends with another public space on Tchaikovsky Street. These two public spaces are connected with each other from both outside and inside of the Art Centre. They are supposed to be used as an events and exhibition ground. The difference in levels between Byuzand and Tchaikovsky streets allows to arrange a cinema and hostels which can function apart from NPAK. The glazed elevation of the cinema, guest studios with their inner courtyards open onto the public space. Keeping the existing volume of the building and changing the inner space we gave a new meaning to it. The entrance to the Npak and to the library is from the public space on the level of 0.00. The visitor center, box office, restaurant and café as well as other services are also on the same level. On the level of 3.60 there are the library with the reading hall and bookstock, meting/conference halls and one of the exhibition rooms. The height of it is 4 m. Two levels are connected with void. The 150-seat auditorium and the other exhibition hall are on the level of 8.40. Two exhibition halls are connected with openings on the floor. Pylons can also be used when organizing an exhibition as walls. The extensive glazed double-height winter garden, designed as exhibition hall for sculptures, is on the level of 14.20. It is surrounded by high parapet from all sides. The space between the parapet and the winter garden is also intended to be used for exhibitions. The south-western part of the glazed hall is two-storied (level 19.00). With fascinating view over Mount Ararat, this space is designed to serve as a café and exhibition ground. All the floors are connected by stairs and elevators. There are also two freight elevators and a crane suited on the roof for lifting and transporting large and unwieldy pieces of art. Studios for students, illuminated with abundant natural light, guest studios, performance/cinema halls as well as a space for temporary storage are on the level of 3.80. The administration of NPAK is located in the south-eastern attached building. The vertical tower rises above this section, at the top of which there is an observation platform that opens over Yerevan and Mount Ararat. The vertical volume of the tower is like a lighthouse seen from different parts of the city. This vertical emphasis we suggest conveys the image of NPAK as a place where innovative art is not just demonstrated but created.