concept & vision

we layer an abstract geometry of straight cuts and radiating circles onto the wilderness and the industrial vestiges. Two straight axes are cut into the ridged topography and through the 4 tanks forming a long cross, the main mark on the territory and its circulation system

design & architecture

the main circulation axes mark a precise border within each tank between enclosed/conditioned and open/unconditioned space. We keep part of each tank "as is", being able to experience the 'tankness' of each tank - its raw materials, structural system, original proportions and height, and overall atmosphere. We enclose and condition only a portion of the tank to concentrate and reduce construction effort and energy consumption. We use the non-conditioned space as open atrium, a buffer zone to filter light and generate a micro climate. The metal wall of the tanks’ unconditioned areas is perforated with long horizontal slots to open up the tanks to the outside views, bringing sunlight in and shadows during the day, and pushing interior artificial light out to the landscape as large lanterns at night

impact & significance

our intention is to experience the site past and its transformative new present without erasing. We welcome and enhance the contrast between new and archeological, between raw/rusted and finished/painted, between inside and outside, steel and ground