The Fate of Former Military Complexes and Areas

Abstract

We got already used to adapted industrial architecture as a reliable architectural setting for a museum or a cultural centre. Former industrial objects have the ability to provide expected architectural expression/expressiveness together with optimal functionality. The characteristic schematic profile of a factory as well as museum of art saw-tooth roof signifies a part of genetics the mentioned types of buildings have in common. What is the situation of former military objects and areas? Do they have a potential comparable to the industrial architecture? Military estates can represent an ideal donor of a spatial setting for cultural centre or a museum. We’re not dealing with a recent direction in architectural evolution – the project of sculptor Donald Judd in Marfa in American Texas begun to rise already in the 70-ties of the 20th century. Some time later the area Hombroich in Germany begun to develop and it has been systematically evolved since then until nowadays. In both cases we can see generous or even landscape-like defined areas based on their character. In 2013 open “Kulturpark Košice” realized within the “European Capital of Culture – Košice 2013” event represents a different point of view to this problematic. Not only has the design and the former adapted military objects a different dating but above all by its urban context in which it exists. In any case these examples of successful conversions show on one hand the potential of former military objects or areas that lost their former use on the other hand these projects are an inspirational perspective of how these forgotten or even seemingly dead buildings and areas can revive again.