Erginoğlu & Çalışlar Architects completed the restoration and extension project of a former power station involving the redevelopment of a former industrial area located in a natural harbour in Baku Bay.
Initially, the clients wanted to demolish the old, abandoned Siemens power plant, built at the beginning of the 20th century, and replace it with a building for hosting events. At a later time, the proposal by Erginoğlu & Çalışlar Architects was accepted; acknowledging the value of the architectural characteristics of the former power plant, they opted to preserve the historical building, with the view of using it as an exhibition centre, and also to design new buildings where events could be held. Therefore, the final project rearranged the entire industrial area, set against the backdrop of a natural harbour in Baku Bay.
The architects restored the pre-existing buildings and designed a new one, composed of two sections connected by a covered bridge. It was named the "New Power Station". The shape and materials of the new building evoke what may be recognised as an industrial building; in this specific area, the building also visually resembles the architecture of the nearby "Old Power House". High ceilings and vast rooms make the New Power Station a flexible and multifunctional location that can easily be adapted to suit many needs.
The old and the new buildings are connected by an exterior park, which could be described as an open-air museum exhibiting obsolete industrial machinery, now used as urban sculptures.
(Agnese Bifulco)
Design: Erginoğlu & Çalışlar Architects
Location: Baku Azerbaijan
Images courtesy of Aga Khan Foundation, photo by AKTC / Cemal Emden
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