Projects / Culture     

Plassen Cultural Centre, Molde

Plassen Cultural Centre gathers several institutions in a new, compact urban structure, in a building literally covered with activities.

Architect: 3XN
Published 29 Aug, 2013
 
Plassen Cultural Centre, Molde.

Plassen Cultural Centre, Molde.

Plassen, Molde. The new cultural centre connects the existing high street with the higher level streets behind, and all surfaces of the building can be used for a variety of activities.

The stair will be an arena for gatherings and events.

Building as meeting place. All the surfaces of the new building are accessible to the public, and can give room for different cultural activities.

Building as meeting place.

The stair connects inside and outside, and is an arena for gatherings and events.

The public library wraps around the red central core, which contains the theatre auditorium.

The public library wraps around the red central core, which contains the theatre auditorium.

Main auditorium.

Plassen, Molde.
Concept development.
The plane is cut up, stretched out and brought together. "Folding" and "flow".

Plassen, Molde.
Concept development.
The plane is cut up, stretched out and brought together. "Folding" and "flow".

Plassen, Molde.
Concept development.
The plane is cut up, stretched out and brought together. "Folding" and "flow".

Plassen, Molde.
Concept development.
The plane is cut up, stretched out and brought together. "Folding" and "flow".

Plassen, Molde.
Concept development.
The plane is cut up, stretched out and brought together. "Folding" and "flow".

Plassen, Molde.
Concept development.
The plane is cut up, stretched out and brought together. "Folding" and "flow".

Plassen, Molde.
Concept development.
The plane is cut up, stretched out and brought together. "Folding" and "flow".

Ground floor plan.

First floor plan.

Section.

Site plan.

Completion: 2012

Address:
Gørvelplassen, Molde

View it on the map

Photo:
Adam Mørk

The new cultural centre in Molde combines several institutions – a theatre, a jazz festival, a literary festival, a library and an arts centre – into one compact building. The location had all the hallmarks of a good place in the city: a central location, an effective area, a steady influx of people and clearly defined boundaries. The building design tries to build on these qualities. The existing route through has been retained, and extended with a wide set of stairs between the upper and lower streets.

The stair can also be used as an amphitheatre for outdoor concerts. All surfaces of the building are accessible for active use. Large glazed openings allow open views in to the different functions, and the red “heart” of the centre, the main auditorium encircled by library shelves, is a natural focus.

3XN have also designed Buen Cultural Centre in Mandal. See it here.