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Polish architect Magdalena Filcek’s award winning Balonodrom continues to achieve new heights in hotel design
'Balonodrom' combines a futuristic structural form with traditional themes derived from man's first forays into the sky in balloons and airships. As the central feature of the building is a working helium filled passenger carrying observation balloon, the function of the space doubles as a working hotel environment as well as a meteorologically secure 'port' for the balloon when at rest. Designed to be aesthetically imposing, without being overtly intrusive in the environment, the proposed extensive use of steel and glass to create a light and airy ambiance combined with an almost feminine elegance of curvature juxtaposed with rigid girder construction, make for an innovative and highly appealing structure. The concept is unique and would be the first in the world as a high technology hotel built around a port for a restrained passenger carrying balloon capable of carrying up to 30 passengers to a height over 150 metres, returning to the central atrium each time. With an overall ground footprint of approximately 13,000 sq m, the Balonodrom Project is separated into various different activity zones: Balloon flights, Hotel, Conference centre, Cafes, Restaurant, a gallery, a museum of aviation, tourist information centre. Using the latest projection and virtual reality technology, imaginary and real flight experiences will be integrated into the overall guest and visitor curriculum. Thanks to a mobile platform inside the building there is the possibility of organizing theatrical performances and concerts ‘in the round’ throughout the year.
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