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SpineX
 

Sector

Architectural - urban

concept design

Location

Plasticarska Ulica Skopje

Year of project

2023

Competition

Skopje of the new generation, from Europe House Skopje

Award

third prize

Designer

ArchX Studio + D. Mitrovska

3D visualizations

ArchX Studio

The SpineX project is an architectural response to the challenge posed by the "Skopje of the New Generation" competition organized by Europe House Skopje,  at which it was awarded the third prize.

The street known as "Plasticharska" (Nikola Karev Blvd.), one of the locations offered for the competition, was an obvious and priority candidate for improvement for our team. The street is a place with unsafe traffic - despite the high frequency of people and vehicles; a place with a forgotten identity - despite the rich historical and local context; an example of a concrete jungle - where the only "greenery" is plastic Christmas trees in stores;  and a place of urban chaos, which is not accessible to everyone, where no rules are respected despite its good location in the city and being one of the gates of the city.

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The main goal was to solve these problems through a recognizable and assertive structure, which would give a new upgraded identity (without suppressing the previous one) to Skopje, our Skopje of the new generation.
Accordingly, we structured the challenge we set ourselves in the following aspects:


 1. Security:

Traffic chaos and "wild" pedestrian crossings to be solved with     providing points for safe passage and separation of vehicles and pedestrians 


 2. Mobility:

New, safe and dedicated infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists, which will reduce traffic congestion
   

3. Social and local context:

Returning the spirit of the old "Dukanjik" and   programmatic connection with Old Bazaar through the establishment of a bazaar for handmade items. Enriching the space with cultural content for all generations (open gallery, open stage), recreational spaces (park for children and adults), public spaces for socialization, street food.
   

4. Accessibility:

To ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities, through ramps, elevators and toilets.
   

5. Sustainability:

To create a green belt and water surfaces that will reduce the temperature of the location and provide a source of green energy. To provide attractive spaces for the place to live.


6. Flexibility and adaptability:

The intended concept can easily be adapted to a part of the street or extended further. Not to disturb the existing built structure and infrastructure.
 

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The composition of SpineX is a product of4 generative elements through which all the aforementioned challenges are solved:


     Spine (Structure): The primary construction of large concrete columns  (1x0.5m) placed at a distance of 20m and a central prestressed beam in the  longitudinal direction carries the secondary construction of prefabricated concrete  ribs placed at a distance of 2m. The ribs are projected parametrically     (parameters: length, arc and main curve) and are different from each other, according to the  need to be open (scene) or bent (canopy) for the program  located in that section. This structure can be lengthened or shortened by  need because of its segmentation.
    Towers (Access and Power Points): The Yellow Towers have 3 functions: Access  (house stairs and elevators), Power (have solar panels on the roof) and  Commercial (various street food outlets). Three of the towers also have a sanitary   function, of which the central toilet is for people with special needs. The towers are placed strategically, at the most frequent "wild" crossing points that we  documented, to represent a safe alternative. The entire bridge is powered by the solar panels on the towers.
   Zones:After laying the main belts along the bridge, extensions were designed to accommodate the planned program. The expansions are located over parts of the street where there is enough space, so that they are not   usurping the already built, and over state-owned plots. 2 dining and socializing zones are planned at both ends of the belt, a  recreation zone (fountain and playground), an art zone (stage and gallery) and a shopping  zone (handmade bazaar) 
   Belts:  As the main functional elements, a pedestrian path, a bicycle path and a belt of greenery along the bridge have been installed. The bands are then  interlaced to create a more vivid experience of the space. The green belt is along the central axis to reduce stresses.

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See more pictures in the gallery

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