The results of the architecture and urban planning competition for the design of the new headquarters of the State Archives in Piotrków Trybunalski have been announced. The first prize went to the Warsaw-based studio BDR Architekci, whose concept best met the organisers’ objectives and the needs of the institution. The second prize was awarded to the WXCA studio and the third prize to the Analog office. Congratulations!
Purpose and objectives of the competition
The competition was organised by the State Archive in Piotrków Trybunalski in cooperation with A2P2 architecture & planning. Its aim was to develop a design for a new building at 10 Batorego St. The participants’ task was to create a concept for a building with storage, office, educational and exhibition functions, together with land development. The project authors had to take into account the criteria of high quality architecture, functionality, economic and technical efficiency, as well as solutions favouring adaptation to climate change. The building had to be environmentally friendly and accessible to all users, including people with disabilities.
The State Archive in Piotrków Trybunalski – nature and significance
The new building is intended to emphasise the importance of the State Archives as an institution of public trust, whose task is to protect and make available heritage. The designers were tasked with proposing a form that corresponds to this mission, while maintaining simplicity, permanence and a contemporary character. The edifice is intended to serve not only as a storage facility for documents, but also as a place for meetings, education and the dissemination of knowledge about the history of the region. An important element of the concept was to create an environment that would become an attractive public space.
Concept by BDR Architekci
The project by Warsaw-based BDR Architekci was praised for its skilful combination of modern technical solutions with reference to the local context of Piotrków Trybunalski. The 6799 sq m plot is located near the Old Town, in the vicinity of St James’ Basilica and the Royal Castle. Such proximity obliges, so the architects proposed a simple, compact block, which organises the space and creates a coherent accent in the urban landscape. The concept was inspired by the logo of the National Archives, a square with an open edge, symbolising accessibility and transparency. This motif was reflected in the layout of the ground floor, whose space was shaped as open and inviting. The absence of a fence and the connection of pedestrian routes with Batory Street are intended to foster integration of the building with its surroundings.
The New Archive in Piotrków Trybunalski – form and materials
The building, 15 metres high (18 metres with the technical part), has four overground storeys and one underground storey. In the southern part, archival storage has been planned, and in the northern part, an office and conference area. A central circulation core links the two parts functionally and spatially. The façades will be made of bricks that refer to local building traditions. The use of new and recycled bricks will allow for a variety of textures and tones, which accentuates the symbolic dimension of the archive as a place to store memory. The building structure is a reinforced concrete frame with high thermal insulation. The interior is organised around a glazed courtyard that serves as a foyer. The hardened glass canopy is based on a steel structure in a rhomboidal arrangement, echoing the details of the current archive building in the historic synagogue.
Landscaping and environmental solutions
The space around the building is planned as a functional and friendly environment. On the side of Batory Street, there will be an entrance square with an open-air exhibition, and on the north side a green square connected to the conference area. The difference in level of the terrain has been used to form green slopes and off-road stairs. The design provides for 47 parking spaces and a biologically active area occupying 22 per cent of the plot. The building is designed to meet stringent energy efficiency standards. It uses heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, ventilation with heat recovery and a BMS system to manage energy consumption. The prefabricated reinforced concrete structure is expected to reduce construction time and carbon emissions.
The archive in Piotrków Trybunalski as the architecture of the future
The winning concept by BDR Architekci was praised for its clear form, high design culture and sensitivity to the context of the site. The new building of the State Archive in Piotrków Trybunalski is intended to become a contemporary public building that will fit in well with the historical landscape of the city and will serve the residents for decades to come.
Source: a2p2.pl, BDR Architekci
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