Kežmarok Cultural Center

The design is based on the strong visual and cultural identity created by the context of the three churches. This relationship becomes the main conceptual layer of the proposal, seeking balance and hierarchy in order to cultivate the urban environment for different groups of users. Three new standalone buildings complete the composition of the site: a cultural building, a community building, and a commercial pavilion. Their spatial arrangement refers to the motif of the sacred Greek cross, whose rotation generates important intermediate spaces and new pedestrian connections beyond the site itself. Each building is expressed through a distinct architectural character. The cultural building is L-shaped with ceramic cladding, the community building is defined by a rectangular concrete volume, and the circular bistro pavilion is designed with a fully glazed façade and an accessible roof. The architectural language works with circular openings, arches, and pitched roof forms. The cultural building is organized into two wings — one containing the main hall, the other accommodating the foyer, small hall, and retail units. Between them, a service core with public facilities connects directly to the public space. The library is designed as a three-bay layout with centrally positioned service spaces. Both main buildings include underground parking, while the ground floor remains visually open and permeable. The public realm is structured through three key spatial elements: the promenade, the circle, and the square. The promenade connects active ground floors and main entrances, while forming a diagonal urban link toward the planned town hall. The square becomes the central civic space, oriented toward the Articular and Evangelical churches and connected to the historic pedestrian axis lined with trees. Green areas, fountains, terraces, and a wooden playscape create an active public environment adaptable for markets, festivals, and concerts throughout the year. The accessible roof of the circular pavilion extends public activity vertically, functioning as an amphitheatre, viewpoint, and informal gathering space. The proposal aims to create a contemporary urban environment that builds on the historical identity of the place.