The Alpine landscape is the most important source of inspiration for the new Congress and Exhibition Centre in Agordo (Italy), designed by architects Emanuele Bressan and Andrea Botter.
The project consists of a multi-purpose hall for community events, concerts, theatre, conventions, art exhibitions and expos, and provides a completely column-free open space.
An undulating, multi-pitched roof covers the timber-framed centre and the hall has full-height glass curtain walls covered in grid-like geometric timber frames; in particular, the roof has been designed to mediate between the appearance of an adjacent warehouse building and the natural forms of the mountains, that influenced the material choices and structure.
The curtain walls to the north and the west were created to allow visitors to see the mountains from within the main hall; to the east and south, the elevations have been left blind and, clad with wood, they face out towards a sloping green area and the staff service areas.
Finally, above the glass curtain walls, the large roof cantilevers out to provide areas of shade and prevent the hall from overheating.
The main entrance to the Congress and Exhibition Centre opens on to a small square and is defined by large diagonal timber supports; internally, the timber trusses have been left exposed, creating a continuity with the large timber cross-bracing elements visible through the glass walls.
Finally, simple light fittings hang down from the ceiling and ventilation ducts have also been left visible, because every piece of the project (Including the technical elements) is conceived to harmonize with the others and contribute to the general atmosphere of the environment.
