ARK Flood observatory complex

Architectural concept description

Water and flood museum + wastewater analysis and treatment laboratory

• Central space of the museum building is an internal courtyard surrounded by concrete rampart. Interior of the rampart houses museum exhibition, technical facilities and wastewater laboratory. Laboratory itself is designed to be part of the exhibition.

• Profile of the building with its characteristic resembles ancient Maya pyramids, use of concrete as main construction material caries relations to Maya stonework

• Ramps and steps of museum “rampart” structure enable to indicate water level during flood time.

Ecotourist hostel

• Five pavilions elevated above flooded level

• Central platform spanned between pavilions provide access to hostel rooms and gives wide view above plain

• Pavilion forms and used construction material (concrete) are common element with other structures of the complex

• Café / hostel reception is located underneath elevated platform. Concrete pavilions and spanned above café area deck provide shadow in hot summer days. All café and reception elements are easily movable and can by secured in hostel pavilions bases’ during flood time.

• Hostel rooftop decks are equipped with wind electricity generators. Elevated platforms located close to riverbed have optimal wind conditions to operate generators. That makes complex independent from external power supply.

• Pavilion bases room water tanks and water treatment facilities

Flood shelter

• Located on the river bank concrete shelter relates to the idea of a shelter inside mountain. Access to the shelter is provided through the flat deck on the top. That secures the shelter from the flood on the one side and from the rain and wind from the other.

• Flat roof top deck – provides space to evacuate people by helicopter, slope stepping down towards the river – evacuation by water transport

• Concrete and steps – gives formal unity with other elements of the complex

• Functional layout: main floor houses shelter area, toilets and kitchen with dining area. Mezzanine – community training centre. Staircase located in the center of the shelter area divides technical (toilet, kitchen) area from shelter. In also provides light to the interior.