CULTURAL CENTER BUENOS AIRES , Argentina , Competition Entry (2006)
Conversion of the landmarked Beaux Arts postal palace into the new Buenos Aires Cultural Center . The design is based on a “re-coding” of the existing logic of the building, namely its division into two spatially as well functionally distinct parts, as well as its structural logic of rings of steel columns surrounding the central light wells.
On the building's rear side – its former logistical heart – ceiling-high trusses are inserted, connecting the existing steel columns in differing geometries on each level and creating a new central interior space. The two entrances as well as the existing light wells fuse together into a now-continuous lobby area. The changing geometry of the trusses shapes new balconies on the different levels that allow the visitors – following the logic of the concert halls – to view this new lobby spectacle from their respective balconies. “To see and be seen” becomes the premise for this  grand hall  in which every guest becomes an actor and spectator at the same time.

FAR frohn&rojas + Rafailidis
project team: Marc Frohn, Mario Rojas Toledo, Georg Rafailidis, Annabel Cremer + Rafailidis
consultants: David Fischer, FKJ, Müller BBM, realgruen