Observation of the present state of historical slaughterhouse has been the starting point in search for the best scenario of conversion into a contemporary art gallery. The preserved building tissue is a testimony of history of the place, therefore we’ve decided to keep the layers of previous interventions and transformations visible. The massive brick walls have been once perforated with large scale openings. We have chosen not to reconstruct the historical walls in a traditional manner but rather make use of these ‘holes’ by letting the exhibition spaces open up to the city. As a result, the exhibition is not only closed within the building but it can also have an impact on the surroundings, enabling engagement of much wider audience. That in turn will give PLATO a whole new range of possibilities.

Looking for the right formula of reconstruction and arrangement of the surroundings, we have decided not to cover the history or ‘gloss’ the buildings. The concept assumes an emphasis on the unique character of the complex with visible layers of transformations as its vital part. We intend not to make a fake reconstruction of the past but rather add another layer to the multilayered history.

The walls are meant to be refurbished, minor gaps filled with bricks, whereas all added elements (both reconstructed and newly designed) are made of one material – concrete. Characteristic openings, which we keep visible, will be enclosed with massive revolving concrete walls. The historical details will be recreated in an allegorical way as in imprint in the concrete.

The new surface of the square as well as possible extension will also be made of concrete. Such approach, based on addition of a new visually coherent layer, is meant to build the new identity of the place, at the same time respecting its history. Concrete surface of the square bends and climbs up covering the side of neighboring buildings, arranging the space and creating background for various screenings and multimedia projections. The square does not have an assigned, strictly defined function. Possible use has been left open to the imagination of the artists.