Case study: Adaptive reuse architecture for Granary and Logistics Hub, Szolnok, Hungary
14 000 M2
30 DAYS
The Szolnok Granary, a historical building in Szolnok, is set for an adaptive reuse project to become a multi-functional hub, blending residential, commercial, and office spaces with a transport hub. This transformation aims to revitalize the area, ensuring vibrant, round-the-clock activity and financial stability.
Essential to this project is a LIDAR survey and BIM model creation, vital for preserving structural integrity while adapting the building for modern use. The survey documents the granary’s original state, guiding the renovation to balance historical preservation with contemporary urban development.
The Rise of the Szolnok Granary
Once a cornerstone of Szolnok’s economy, the Szolnok Granary, erected in 1935, is a poignant marker of the city’s past prosperity. Located strategically near the Tisza River, this massive structure, managed by Mezőgazdasági Közraktár Rt. and known as Nostra Általános Közraktár és Kereskedelmi Rt., was a marvel of industrial design.
Constructed predominantly from reinforced concrete, it included a cellar, multiple floors, and an extended tower with a viewing platform, offering unrivaled views. This granary was not just an architectural feat but also a hub of economic activity, capable of storing and processing vast quantities of grain, making it an essential asset for the region’s agriculture and trade.
War and Post-War Transitions
During World War II, the granary played a vital role, serving as a lookout post. Its importance in the city’s fabric continued post-war under the management of the Szolnok County Milling and Grain Trading Company. However, as times changed, so did the fortunes of the granary. The building’s purpose and significance dwindled, leading to a gradual but inevitable decline.
Present State and Symbolism
Today, the Szolnok Granary stands in disrepair, a shadow of its former glory. Once a bustling center of trade, it now lies forgotten, with its metal structures stripped away, overgrown surroundings, and deteriorating façade. This granary is not just a building but a symbol of the city’s economic fluctuations. Its potential restoration or repurposing could herald a new chapter in Szolnok’s economic history, signaling a resurgence in the city’s fortunes.
Adaptive Reuse Project: Transforming the Szolnok Granary
The adaptive reuse project for the Szolnok Granary is envisioned to meet the client’s requirements for a financially stable investment, while transforming the building into a multi-functional hub. The new design aims to incorporate a transport hub, capitalizing on the granary’s strategic location near the Tisza River. This addition will boost connectivity and attract a steady flow of visitors and commuters, contributing to the financial viability of the project.
Furthermore, the project will integrate a dynamic mix of residential apartments, commercial spaces, and office areas. The design ensures vibrant activity throughout the day: offices and commercial areas bustling during daytime hours, and residential spaces coming alive in the evenings. This continuous utilization not only ensures a lively atmosphere but also contributes to the project’s financial stability through diverse revenue streams.
Meeting these requirements, the granary will transition from a historical monument to a contemporary epicenter of urban life, fulfilling the client’s vision of a profitable and multi-functional space. This transformation is poised to become a cornerstone in the revitalization of Szolnok’s economic and social landscape.
Purpose and Significance of the LIDAR Survey
Initiating the Reuse Process
Before embarking on the ambitious adaptive reuse of the Szolnok Granary, a critical first step was conducting a precise LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey. This survey was essential to kickstart the design phase, enabling architects to visualize and plan the transformation accurately. Accompanying the LIDAR survey, the creation of a Building Information Modeling (BIM) model was pivotal. This model serves as a comprehensive digital representation of the granary’s physical and functional characteristics, providing a detailed blueprint for architects and engineers.
Identifying Structural Elements
The LIDAR survey’s primary purpose was to accurately identify and map the granary’s structural elements. This intricate process was crucial for understanding which parts of the building were structurally sound and could be retained, and which elements required removal or reinforcement. By distinguishing these elements, the design team could ensure that the granary’s historical integrity was maintained, while also adapting the building to meet modern safety standards and functional requirements.
Documenting Pre-Transformation State
Another vital aspect of the LIDAR survey was to immortalize the granary in its pre-transformation state. This documentation is not only important for historical record-keeping but also provides a reference point for the extent of changes made during the adaptive reuse process. Capturing the granary in its original form allows for a comparison between the past and future states, showcasing the evolution of this iconic structure from a historic granary to a multifaceted urban hub.
In summary, the LIDAR survey and BIM model creation are foundational steps in the granary’s transformation, ensuring a balance between preserving its historical essence and adapting it for a new, vibrant future. These steps embody a thoughtful approach to heritage conservation and modern urban development.
