Trnavsko-mito square, "Trnavskaya Zastava", has historically been a marketplace, very lively. But after the war, it was completely rebuilt: a complex appeared there from the House of Technology, the House of Children and Youth, and by 1981 - the House of the Revolutionary Trade Union Movement, intended for holding the congresses of the Communist Party of Slovakia. The typical late modernist square created around it was of little use for recreation of the townspeople, and the busy transport hub, which became Trnavsko-mito, did not add to its attractiveness.
Dilapidated these days
The House of Trade Unions, which was named Istropolis in the 1990s after the Greek name for Bratislava, is outdated morally and physically: in its main hall with 1200 seats and in smaller rooms, theater performances and concerts are held, but its current owner, Immocap, believes that the complex is loaded by 10%, and partial reconstruction will not save it.
Having bought this building in 2017, Immocap held an international architectural competition, where all participants did not confine themselves to "cosmetic" measures, nor resorted to demolition, but opted for a comprehensive reconstruction, including a high-rise administrative building. Despite this unanimity, the jury was still able to choose the best - a tandem of the Dutch KCAP and the Germans Cityförster with the participation of a consultant - the British studio Charcoalblue, a specialist in the design of concert halls and congress centers.
The main focus of the project is on the House of Trade Unions and the space around it, which should become human-scale, green and attractive: a park, fountains, pedestrian and bicycle paths.
The congress center will become much more spacious - 3000 seats, or even 5000 - if a concert is being held there, where spectators stand in the stalls. Thus, Bratislava will be able to compete with Vienna and other Central European cities as a venue for major congresses and conferences.
The cultural function of “Istropolis” will also be preserved, mainly, it will be concerts of “popular” music. The latest technical equipment will be reinforced in the main hall with a layout with a stage in the center, which will bring the audience closer to the performers.
