The non-contextual and peripheral building from the 1980s has been transformed into a new urban palace, taking on a fresh character. The sensitive reconstruction enhanced the sculptural qualities of the building while utilizing its versatile framework.
In the past, this building with its peripheral character served as a PBX (telephone line exchange). The original architecture had certain sculptural qualities, but in the current urban context, it appeared non-contextual, mainly due to the closed ground floor and the undefined public space. The former PBX represents a construction that was limited by prefabrication, lacked respect for its surroundings, and was influenced by a certain authoritarian attitude. Its existing state created a sense of being on the outskirts, despite its close proximity to the city centre. The building was originally designed without much consideration for its surroundings. Its massive and utilitarian mass did not engage or respond to the scale of the surrounding buildings, existing waterfront, or the river. The building was enclosed from all sides and did not contribute to the creation of an urban space. The former ground floor was closed off, and the original outdoor staircase was covered with caricatured cladding with a sloping red roof in the 1990s. These were the main deficiencies and remnants of the architecture from previous decades.
Despite these shortcomings, the building itself had certain qualities that could be utilized. For example, the stair towers that extend beyond the main structure give the building a distinctive sculptural character. The prefabricated reinforced concrete skeleton, despite its technical limitations, offered opportunities for transformation.