Cadence Cultural Space by Shahrooz Zomorrodi Receives the Bronze A' Design Award in Architecture, Building and Structure Design

The Work

Project

Cadence Cultural Space

Function

Cultural Space

Category

Architecture, Building and Structure Design

Discipline

Spatial Design

Industry

Architecture

Colors

Olive Drab, Dark Olive Green, Cadet Blue, Steel Blue and Cornflower Blue

Images

5

Client

Zomorrodi and Associates

The Recognition

Laureate

Shahrooz Zomorrodi

Country

United Arab Emirates

Recognition

Bronze A' Design Award

Edition

2023 - 2024

Design ID

#157627

Credits

Image Credits

Afshin Khodabandeloo, 2023 Optional; Afshin Khodabandeloo, 2023 Video Credits: Zomorrodi & Associates

Design Details

Unique Properties

Cadence Art Center in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, is a dynamic fusion of recreation, commerce, and culture. Its organic, wavy shell design integrates seamlessly with the island's landscape, while modular adaptability and site-specific orientation ensure harmony with the environment. The iconic open Amphitheatre, crowned with a climate-controlled roof, serves as a vibrant cultural hub, fostering community interaction and celebrating the lively spirit of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Inspiration

Cadence Art Center in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, emerged from a deep reverence for the island's cultural richness and natural beauty. Inspired by the undulating waves, our design harmonizes with the landscape, integrating diverse modules for recreational, commercial, and cultural activities. Research-driven, the modular system adapts to the land's shape and orientation, fostering community interaction through twisting voids and an iconic Amphitheatre.

Research

The research conducted for the Cadence Art Center in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, transitioned from a hotel concept to a multi-purpose cultural hub through qualitative design research. Ethnographic methods, interviews, and surveys revealed the island's rich cultural heritage, environmental challenges, and community aspirations. Engaging diverse stakeholders informed design decisions to integrate with nature, promote social cohesion, and celebrate local identity. This shift resulted in the Cadence Art Center becoming a symbol of community pride, revitalizing tourism, and fostering economic growth through the promotion of local art and heritage.

Challenge

The most challenging aspect of the Cadence Art Center project was reconciling the dichotomy between urban functionality and natural integration. The create a multifunctional cultural center necessitated a profound understanding of the island's identity and community needs. Internal factors, such as historical and social perspectives, underscored the importance of aligning with local culture and fostering a sense of belonging. External factors, including legal considerations and technological limitations, added complexity to the design process.

Realization and Technology

The production/realization technology for the Cadence project in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, involved a modular system with approximately 5x5 meter units forming the main framework for various activities. These spaces, including amphitheaters, play areas, cinemas, galleries, and more, were designed to rotate based on the site's direction and utilize the terrain slope to minimize excavation. The project also incorporated rainwater collection and reuse technology, with a rainwater pool at the center of the amphitheater serving as a visual element to reflect nature.

Operation and Interaction

The Cadence Art Center in Basseterre, the capital of Saint Kitts and Nevis, was born from understanding the island's vibrant culture and stunning scenery. Originally planned as a hotel, it evolved into a community hub blending commerce, culture, and recreation. Shaped like rolling waves, it's both urban and natural, offering spaces for music, cinema, and more. Rainwater collection reflects sustainability, while modular units adapt to the land. With an open-air amphitheater at its heart, Cadence speaks the universal language of dance and music, uniting locals and tourists alike in celebration of the island's spirit.

Project Duration and Location

The design of the Cadence project began in 2023. This project is located in the country and island of Saint Kitts & Nevis, and construction is expected to begin, taking approximately 3 years to complete.

Specifications

The project's design is based on modular units with approximate dimensions of 5x5 meters, forming the main framework for various activities in different spaces. These spaces include open-air and covered amphitheaters, play areas, cinemas, galleries, libraries, restaurants, and food courts, handicraft sales booths, and administrative offices. This modular system rotates based on the site's direction and also utilizes the terrain slope to minimize excavation. The interior design of Cadence aims to create connections between users and includes multiple entrances and voids.

Keywords

unfamiliar, familiarity , big family, Dance and nature, permeate, dialogue, landmark , usage and form,