A modern seal in Krakow. It is a project by a student

·23 August 2024

Modern Plomba is a project designed by Damian Zablocki. The building would be constructed on Słowackiego Avenue. Damian Zablocki prepared the project ‘Modern coworking and office zones in plomb development for students and entrepreneurs in Krakow’ as part of his engineering thesis at the Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław University of Technology. His thesis was supervised by dr hab. inż. arch. Joanna Jabłońska.

The project would fill in the frontage. At the same time, the form of the new building is to refer to the historical architecture of the city and be its modern interpretation. The project was created in response to the large number of universities and the developed business sector in Krakow. The site is intended to respond to the need for attractive places to work remotely.

As a coworking zone, the modern infill is intended to help people who need a clear division between a rest area and a space for work or study. Mixing them in flats can negatively affect efficiency. When working remotely, we often do not have the right conditions for concentrated activity, so creating a clear demarcation between these two life zones is crucial for mental comfort.

Coworking spaces are often an attractive option for those who need a change of environment. This is also the kind of place that Damian Zablocki wanted to design when he designed the modern plomb.

The designer began his design work with an analysis of the site. Where would such a building be erected so that it would be accessible to as many people as possible? The choice fell on the plot by Inwalidów Square.

This site is very popular with students because of its attractive location. It is in close proximity to the most important educational establishments and is also accessible from the Central Station, which adds to its attractiveness. With a maximum walking distance of 20 minutes, or about 1 km, you can reach many universities,” explains Damian Zablocki.

Another key issue is the architectural form of the designed building. The surroundings of Słowackiego Avenue are dominated by buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The student points out that the tenements in the frontage are distinguished by their ornamentation and brick, which is a frequently used material in Krakow architecture. When designing the building, he followed the indications of the Local Spatial Development Plan. He decided that the ground floor of the building would be set back from the front by two metres. In the context of the neighbouring buildings, he took into account the height of the ground floor, the cornice and the ridge on both sides. The height of the building also corresponds to that of the neighbouring buildings. Thanks to the varied form of the façades, it was possible to create a dynamic volume that at the same time harmonises with its surroundings. At its highest point, the building is 22.45 m high, making it stand out against the frontage. On the flat roof, the young architect designed photovoltaic panels and greenery.

Damian Zablocki divided the building into several functional zones. The coworking zone is to be created on the ground floor and will be an open space. It is a versatile zone that can be quickly rearranged if necessary and can be used for lectures, for example. Thanks to openings in the ceiling, people on the upper floor can also observe the speaker. There will also be a café in this part of the building, offering only takeaway coffee. The designer suggests using your own or biodegradable crockery.

On the upper floor, the coworking area has been divided into several separate sections: an open area, a quiet area and a group work area. Each user can choose the preferred space that best suits their needs.

Floors two and three have been designed as office spaces with a variety of areas. Each includes common areas and meeting rooms. The rooms are available for a limited time and must be booked in advance.

Those using the facility also have access to the underground car park, which is accessed by two car lifts. One of these also serves the bicycle storage room, providing a safe and convenient place to store bicycles. The underground car park offers a total of 19 parking spaces, including two spaces for people with disabilities. For the additional comfort of users, there is also a sanitary room on the underground level, concludes the project’s author.

design: Damian Zabłocki