on 13 November 2024, in the historic Artus Court in Gdańsk, the results of a study, two-stage urban planning and architectural competition for the concept of shaping the South Centre were announced. Organised by the City of Gdańsk, the competition aimed to develop an innovative urban vision for the southern part of the city, which would respond to the needs of a dynamically developing district. During the ceremony, the Mayor of Gdańsk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, congratulated the winners and stressed the importance of the competition for the future of the city. The ceremony was an opportunity for a public presentation of the awarded works, which may soon become the basis for further planning activities.
Organisation of the competition
The competition was announced on 8 May 2024 and was overseen by a jury of eminent specialists in architecture and urban planning. The chairperson was Professor Ewa Kuryłowicz, who was accompanied by a team of experts, including Dr Eng. arch. Natalia Balcerzak, M.Sc. arch. Ryszard Gruda and Piotr Lorens, M.Sc. Piotr Lorens. Nineteen works were submitted to the first stage, of which the five best were invited to the second stage. The project authors had until 8 November 2024 to submit their full competition entries. The results were announced after the jury deliberations, which concluded on 13 November.
Gdańsk, Artus Court. Opening of the conference ‘Architecture of the Metropolis’. Announcement of competition results – Centre South
Winners and awarded projects
The panel of experts did not decide to award a first prize, but two equivalent second prizes (PLN 35 000 each), two equivalent third prizes (PLN 25 000 each) and one special mention (PLN 20 000) were awarded.
Second prize (ex aequo)
1. X86 Architects (Tomasz Małachowicz, Rafał Stemporowski)
The project was appreciated for its clear compositional axis running from the dominant public facilities to the green square with the library, which ensures spatial coherence and ease of orientation. Attention was also drawn to the well-thought-out communication layout and the logical division of the functional zones, although it was noted that the criteria for multifunctionality and environmental friendliness were not met.
2. Michał Strupiński, Ada Jaśkowiec, Kinga Murawska, Zuzanna Sekuła – Serce Południe
The award was given for the creation of urban axes (cardo and decumanus) that link key functional spaces. The urban characteristics of the development and the integration of natural areas with built-up areas were appreciated, although reservations included the location of parking functions and problems with the shading of buildings.
Third prize (ex aequo)
1. JAZ Architekci Sp. z o.o. (team led by Andrzej Jaworski)
The project was distinguished for the introduction of green infrastructure and the creation of a clear urban layout based on spaces conducive to social integration. However, doubts were raised about the low intensity of the development and the sub-optimal location of the dominant feature in the form of a multi-storey car park.
2. Janusz Gujski, Izabela Burda, Jacek Józekowski, Jakub Gorzka – Green Space for Dialogue
The award was given for an attractive urban vision, taking into account the axis of public space and the park dominant. However, attention was drawn to the need to further adapt the scale of development and the forms of spatial dominants to the existing landscape conditions.
Distinction
Alicja Maculewicz, Eryk Szczepański, Tomasz Bekas – Green Loop
The project was distinguished for its skilful harmonisation of the development with the surrounding landscape and the proposal of a green infrastructure. The clarity of the urban composition was appreciated, although attention was drawn to the need for corrections in the area of the tram loop and pro-environmental solutions.
Summary
The competition for the South Centre in Gdansk has provided a platform for presenting a variety of visions for the development of the city’s southern districts. The awarded projects indicate the potential of this part of Gdańsk to become a modern centre with a sustainable character. The awarded concepts will serve as inspiration for further planning activities aimed at creating an attractive, functional and resident-friendly space.
Source: gdansk.pl
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