OH(G)RID,Restaurant-Bar during golden hour, Nautical Club Ohrid, Terraviva Competitions, Honorable Mention, George Genovezos

Project Info

Team: George Genovezos

Status: Competition, Honorable Mention

Program: Leisure, Commercial

Year: 2024

Location: Ohrid, North Macedonia

OH(G)RID

Introduction

The project is centered around the idea of revitalizing the western part of the city of Ohrid. This goal is pursued through the selection of programs such as rowing, a gym, a restaurant/bar and a study café, catering to both locals and tourists. The adaptation to the 1950’s modern building complex surrounded by green right next to the lake create a very interesting setting.

Surrounding Space Intervations

Important aspects of the site design include the minimal intervention to the natural elements, improved accessibility and new gathering spaces.

The organization is based on extending the building's grid, designed by Boris Chipan, to the entire site. Essentially, the small rectangular squares between the orthonormal paths create a larger multiple of the initial grid. The use of pebbles on the paths and in some squares complements the lakeside environment.

The park is divided by the main pedestrian entrance walkway and by the perpendicular axis, which includes the parking area, the buildings, the water canal, and the piers.

The piers act as extensions of the building into the water. At their ends, there is a sloping section for easier access by rowers. The piers merge between the two buildings where the canoes are stored, spatially and materially indicating the nautical zone.

The existing lakeside pedestrian path is preserved and extended to accommodate bicycle traffic as well. Its connection to the eastern part of the city is also proposed.

The water canal, along with the piers, creates a landmark while enhancing the park's relationship with the water.

Building Intervations

Later additions, such as pergolas, glazing, and enclosed spaces on the ground floor, should be removed as they alter the purity of the architect's original design.

The new programs adapt to the existing structures ensuring accessibility and maintaining visual contact with the lake.

In the secondary building, the changing rooms and storage for rowers are placed in its western side, while the study café is placed in its eastern more social side. Openings are created to visually connect it with the lake.

The lightweight metal structure between the two buildings serves as a storage area for the canoes.

In the main building, circulation is centralized, creating a visual connection between the two floors through the main entrance/foyer and its spiral staircase in the double-height space. Conveniently, the reception for all activities is located here. The original staircase is removed.

The ground floor is enclosed with glass behind the columns, defining the spaces for the gym and the main entrance/foyer.

The gym changing rooms concentrated right next to the stone retaining wall divide the space into two sections for cardio and weightlifting.

Two important features of the restaurant/bar on the first floor are the uninterrupted views through the original openings and the use of the balconies as bar areas, offering a unique experience.

Overall, an honest architectural vocabulary is sought, allowing a clear visual distinction between what is original and what is new.