The stairs of the Avasi observation deck were only repainted
According to Benő Taba, the lack of technical renovation of the suspended concrete steps leading up to the lookout terrace means a serious change. “The structural elements showing failure and/or concrete erosion have only been painted over, this carries with it the danger of further significant deterioration in the near future, but also in an aesthetic sense, a dissonant situation has developed.”
Photo: reader
Although it was already decided during the planning stage that barrier-free access to the viewing gallery would only be achieved with a handrail lift, the intention of finding a more modern and stylishly adapted device to the situation was expressed on several forums. Obviously, nothing came of the promise made with force.
Where is the greening left?
The most visible shortcoming of the forum’s building complex and the one that reduces its use value the most is the failure or reduction of the multi-level greening and planting planned in the plans. “In order to use the apostrophized surfaces as an amphitheater with visual design functions (play-picnic park, ball games, planted trees), it would have been necessary to implement an intensive green roof.
The current structural layers could perhaps be suitable for extensive greening (which are practically impassable surfaces), but the application technical guidelines require an integrated irrigation system to “maintain” it. This current state definitely raises serious concerns in terms of both usability and maintenance.”
Photo: reader
The upper wall recesses of the southern facades of the forum were depicted as plant walls. In the current state, there is no indication that this could happen in the near future, as a viable plant wall would require the installation of serious additional structures.
Also on these same wall niches, the designs depict flower boxes on the horizontal cornice units. These surfaces are provided with a seemingly permanent stone covering, it is questionable whether it is possible to find a technically satisfying (safe) and demanding solution for placing the flower troughs after this.
Obstacle or accessibility?
It cannot be determined at what level the conditions for barrier-free accessibility are met, since the landscaping is still far from completion, and it is not possible to know whether the building complex has an elevator that can also be used for public traffic.
“We do not know the completed and approved construction plans, so we assume that they provided for all details on how to protect the roof of the forum from precipitation, as well as for the waterproofing of the vertical wall structures in the ground and in contact with the ground, as well as the installation of reassuringly functioning rainfall and groundwater leaks. If this was the case , then the conditions experienced on the surface and on the wall structures (deficiencies, solution methods) may raise concerns in the observer – in some places, only in view of their construction quality.”
The stairs are made of Rozzant pallets
The participants in the tour of the Miskolcért Mászől group and those monitoring the investment process mostly mention the spatial and temporal lack of coordination of the constructions. Not only are the construction processes of some functions (playgrounds, observation deck, forum) almost independent of each other, without regard for the other, causing serious disturbances in the use, but also the construction of a road and parking system far removed from the date of expected building occupancy contradicts all common sense considerations.
“Specifically, the kind of lack of pretentiousness – and extremely insulting to the residents of the city – in the way they provide access on foot to certain functions that are already functioning is particularly dishonorable. The stone-age “murderers”, stairs made of rickety pallets and narrow walking surfaces are not only dangerous, but they also offend the humanity of the visitors.”
Problems raised by the Otherwise group for Miskolc
– The inner surfaces of the newly painted steps of the observation deck are “bearded” from the muddy precipitation that flows down there, it is no coincidence that it was originally built as a rustic, concrete surface.
– Opinions are divided about the forum’s covering made of narrow stone strips. There are those who like it and there are also opinions that consider its use here to be a complete mistake. However, there is unity in the fact that the various, fundamentally different surface treatments of the two compositions, which are otherwise visually built on each other, are confusing.
– The area’s exposure to strong weather conditions appeared as a strong concern.
– They consider the size of the paved (stone-like) surfaces to be frightening and the extent and intensity of the (not) appearing green surfaces to be insufficient. Not only is the large green roof surface that can actually be walked on and also functions as a picnic park, but also the tree planting shown in the plans is missing.
– The treatment of surface water falling on large surfaces was also given a lot of emphasis. They do not see the possibility of proper and fast drainage in the event of serious rainfall loads.
– The system of water-absorbing lanes located in the amphitheater area of the forum presents a dissonant image. While under the arcades of the lower, restaurant level, the facade curves were followed concentrically, above, the lines were painfully simplified and leveled.
– The two parking lots for disabled people seem to be of insufficient size.
– What kind of seating will there be in the amphitheater area in case of a performance with a larger number of people? Will the greenery to be installed now withstand their load?
– Where will the seating for the performances be stored?
– If the floor line of the amphitheater is not ascending, stepped – as the concept was planned – what will the visibility be like in the direction of the podium?
