Let the past speak, and the present live, is the working title of the transformation of the former Heating Plant of the National Palace of Culture into a Centre for Contemporary Art and Culture. 

Topolocentrala is a balance of keeping all what is already great, enhancing the existing qualities and adding just enough to make it come together architecturally and functionally.

The existing is a composition of three main volumes functionally arranged. The large span roof and concrete columns, are all elements with an aesthetic and historical link to its period of construction during the communist era. It has been abandoned a long time; nevertheless, it has been telling another story as a place for subculture, with graffiti and sporadic events.

The performance building is the heart and kept as one big open space where several programs and activities take place. A multi-transformable area where folding acoustical walls allow for any setup in combination with movable telescope seating. Stairs leading to the old technical levels allow the visitors to go directly to the underground exhibition program. An L - shaped volume is added, connecting all the functions internally. The design is a balanced contrast of old and new.