Tarkett Academy by Modelart Architects is an exhibition and educational space in the industrial complex Tarkett in Backa Palanka and was developed as revitalization of an old industrial building. The mission of the Academy is developing and improvement of technique of Tarkett flooring as well as improving knowledge of Tarkett products. This area provides clients, architects and designers with support and assistance in finding the best solution for flooring in a variety of projects, not only in its content and equipment, but also the way the entire facility was established.
The main challenge in designing the Academy was the introduction of new features into an existing industrial building space. The aim was to preserve the industrial character of the building, and to fit the new functions into the existing space with a series of spatial interventions. External architecture is dominated by membrane made of perforated metal sheet which, in combination with large glazed surfaces, creates dynamic light/shadow effects. In contrast to the reduced exterior, the interior is much more complex and is divided into two main parts: the showroom and the academy. The first area is an open, fluid space (“space within a space”) with a number of smaller units for displaying products and meeting with clients. This space is designed without strict physical barriers and spatial areas are highlighted as “islands” in the floor, which also show the design options of floor covering. The second part is more closed and it consists of a conference room, office space and training boxes for floor installers. Such concept of space is adjusted to a complex program, with a high level of flexibility and transformabilitiy.
