Ohrid Reframed
Location: Ohrid, North Macedonia Year: 2024
On the southern shores of Lake Ohrid, Boris Chipan’s iconic white cube introduced modernism to the city, providing a backdrop for children’s summer camps. Nearly 70 years later, Ohrid Reframed seeks to honor Chipan’s modernist legacy while evolving the architectural language to foster a dialogue between modernism and contemporary design. Our approach merges history with innovation, creating a space that harmonizes modernism’s influence with a fresh, dynamic vision.
Challenging the Boundaries of Modernism
Modernism, often described as a ‘machine for living,’ optimized spaces for specific functions, creating predictable and efficient environments. However, these designs frequently imposed rigid boundaries. In Ohrid Reframed, we challenge this by extending the role of architecture beyond functional confines. Rather than merely containing activities, the building becomes a catalyst for spontaneous social encounters and interactions. Our design embraces fluid, open spaces that invite exploration and possibility, breaking away from static, predefined forms.
Design Toward an Ambiguous Boundary
At the heart of Ohrid Reframed is the dissolution of the rigid geometries typical of modernism. Rather than relying on closed, box-like structures that strictly define inside and outside, we introduce flowing, linear forms that suggest boundaries without enforcing them. The preserved second floor stands as a monument to Chipan’s modernism, while the formerly solid first floor is broken by dynamic, linear elements that engage with the existing rigid structure. This fluid architectural order transforms the walls from barriers into flexible components that encourage openness.
A Dynamic Social Hub
At its core, Ohrid Reframed reimagines the site as a dynamic social hub for locals and visitors alike. The fluid architectural language fosters inclusivity by offering flexible spaces for leisure, recreation, and social gatherings. From water sports to community events and public performances, the design encourages spontaneous interaction and connection. Open areas host pop-up markets, exhibitions, and performances, revitalizing the lakefront and reconnecting it with the city. By enhancing accessibility and flexibility, Ohrid Reframed transforms the site into a vibrant gathering point and a catalyst for urban renewal.
Landscape Emerges from the Building
In Ohrid Reframed, architecture seamlessly merges with the landscape. Linear forms extend outward, dissolving the building’s boundaries and blending it into the surrounding environment. These lines flow into the site, creating quadrants where outdoor activities naturally unfold. The design integrates existing trees and stretches toward the city, connecting urban life with Ohrid’s natural shoreline. This interaction between building and nature generates a continuous, vibrant space that reflects the dynamic relationship between the built and natural environments.
Design Team: Hieu Phung, Zhaoxiong Han, Jiawei Ji, Zhijin Shen