Embassy of Czech Republic - Hundred Spires

Project idea

For Semiotic, the icon is a visual representation of a object. By similarity or by metaphor, icons can be used to represent, conect or refer memories ans places. The Czech Republic has a striking architecture, with many visual elements, like arches and domes. Prague, the capital it's known worldwide as the city of hundred spires, by expressivity of his architecture Sign is a representation of something wich we attribute value, meaning or feeling. When we observe the signs, automatically we assing sense for it. this process is a comprehension of something, wich makes understand

Project description

The embassy of the Czech Republic in Addis Ababa, searches through semiotics and signs to refer to the visual elements of Prague. Stylized and contemporary icons will make the embassy a "21st century" version of the Czech capital. The triangle, visual element of the Czech flag, can be considered plastically the representation of a tower. Thus, the triangle appears in the project as aesthetic language, linking the towers of Prague to the national flag and providing formal unity.

Technical information

Based on the city's climate, environmental comfort points were proposed. Because it's a dry climate, water mirrors and fountains were inserted in the project, also reinforced concrete was used to take advantage of the thermal inertia, warming the buildings during the night. For comfort during the day, large openings were arranged in the south façade, allowing ventilation and natural lightness without solar radiation.