Długie Ogrody, one of the most important arteries in historic Gdansk, has been neglected for years, losing its former character. Now, however, the time for change is coming. on 14 March, the results of a competition to develop a 2.7-hectare area along Długie Ogrody Street were announced at the Second World War Museum in Gdańsk. The jury awarded prizes to the three best projects and two distinctions. Competition was fierce – as many as 20 proposals were submitted from Poland and abroad, and the judges paid particular attention to the quality of urban planning solutions, functionality and reference to the historical context of the site.
Długie Ogrody returns to its historical character
Dlugie Ogrody Street, which was destroyed during World War II, has significantly departed from its former appearance. The City of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk Roads and Greenery Authority therefore decided to launch a competition for its revitalisation. The aim of the project was to restore the historical character of the site, improve the quality of public space and increase the proportion of greenery in the urban fabric. The Mayor of Gdansk, Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, emphasised that the project aims to extend the Royal Route, making the Long Gardens a representative urban space. “The conclusions from the numerous meetings or research walks were concrete: increasing the amount of greenery or improving the quality of public areas, “ she added.
The winning concept for the new street
The first place and a prize of PLN 50,000 was won by the studio Restudio Jacaszek Architekci sp. z o.o. from Gdańsk in cooperation with Saneccy Sp. z o.o. from Kraków. The project combines historical references with modern urban planning solutions, creating a space favourable to residents and tourists. The concept is to create a harmonious urban space dominated by greenery and open public spaces. The designers were inspired by the former urban layout of Długie Ogrody, restoring the historical view axes and referring to the original character of the area.
New Long Gardens – key project assumptions
The concept assumes the division of Długie Ogrody into two functional zones: a walking space (“flaner”) with a lime tree avenue and a traffic zone, where car and bicycle traffic will be calmed down. The main urban design points are the square at Stągiewna Gate, the square at Żuławska Gate and the space in front of St Barbara’s Church. The Long Gardens are to become the city’s axis, connecting these key locations. Greenery plays a key role in the project. The new street will feature rain gardens, a lime avenue and diverse planting, including both ornamental and functional vegetation – adapted to urban conditions. The vegetation will not only play an aesthetic role, but also an ecological one, improving the microclimate and rainwater retention.
Long Gardens now and in the future. Photo: Google Earth and Restudio Jacaszek Architekci
A modern space with respect for history
The project involves reducing the space allocated to cars, eliminating excess parking and improving the pedestrian environment. Communication will be improved through new road solutions, such as one-way streets and the transformation of the Long Dyke into a pedestrian space. The project also envisages artistic installations, such as symbolic water elements in front of St Barbara’s Church and stylised small architecture objects alluding to the historical character of Gdansk. In addition, the designers plan to use natural and durable materials such as granite, wood and steel, which will emphasise the high quality of the public space and ensure its durability for years to come. Architectural illumination will highlight key elements of the cityscape, enhancing the aesthetic value of the area.
Competition podium
Second place and a prize of PLN 30,000 was awarded to the studio REGIO Sp. z o.o. from Warsaw. Third place (PLN 20,000) was awarded to Alicja Aydar, Aleksandra Walas, Piotr Banaszek, Michał Szymański and Jakub Wichtowski.
Source: Gdansk Roads and Greenery Authority
Read also: Gdańsk | Renovation | Greenery | Ecology | Urban planning
Long Gardens now and in the future. Photo: Google Maps and Restudio Jacaszek Architekci
