Torun, Poland
The competition proposal was inspired by the belief that the European Film Center Camerimage (ECFC) building in Toruń, Poland should serve as a stage and backdrop for cultural events within its interiors, rather than being the focus itself. The ZAS team aimed to create a distinctive yet non-competitive architectural form in the context of Toruń's Old Town and its important neighboring architectural structures. The design is therefore limited to the use of simple, orthogonally arranged geometric volumes, characterized by architectural restraint, emphasizing a limited selection of finishing materials.
The proposed material palette is dominated by a strategic selection of glass systems used to achieve a contrasting effect in relation to nearby buildings. Extensive use of glass with varying transparency creates an illusion of lightness and permeability, providing intriguing visual experiences. Illumination highlighting the facades gives the building a significant presence at night, while the reflective materials create unexpected, surprising effects, enticing exploration during the day. Flickering images, flashes, and reflections immerse the viewer in a magical spectacle reminiscent of cinematic experiences. Static reflections of the surrounding elements, as well as dynamic ones such as moving vehicles, pedestrians, clouds, and birds, create an infinite number of visual combinations and experiences.
The team presented a concept of minimalist architecture based on the latest technological achievements, supported by environmentally friendly solutions. The building is environmentally sustainable, placing the human being, their need for contact with nature, a healthy lifestyle, and harmony as the main points of reference. It would be a modern urban complex for Toruń, universally accessible to the public and visitors, regardless of their physical condition, filled with active and inspiring cultural events on a European scale.
Size
498,000 sf
Program
Festival Centre
Market
Cinema House - Museum/Gallery
Cinema House - Cinema Rooms
Education Centre
Studio
Communications
Technical Room