The reconstruction of the courtyard in front of the Imperial Castle in Poznan has been completed. Previously, this space was largely used as a car park. Today it is a public square with new urban furniture and greenery.
The space had been concreted over for years. The redevelopment has not turned the courtyard into a flower meadow, but there is new greenery of 21 trees. These include ginkgo trees, robins, larch and cherry trees. Nearby, the growing hazel and maple trees have been retained to provide shade in summer. In addition, there will be climbing plants in the courtyard, but we have to wait until the end of spring for the effects.
A new chapter in history
This is not only a new space, but also a symbol of change in the centre of Poznań. We are restoring successive parts of the city to the people of Poznań, creating places that are accessible to all and full of greenery. This was the case with the areas along the Warta River or Plac Kolegiacki. The latter used to be a car park and today we showcase Poznań’s history there and organise various events for residents. I hope that the same will happen with the Open Courtyard. That it will become a new popular place on the map of Poznań, just like the recently opened Berdychów bridges,” says Jacek Jaśkowiak, Mayor of Poznań.
(We wrote about the mentioned Berdychów bridges HERE)
The reconstruction of the courtyard in front of Poznań Castle also included work below ground. Thanks to reservoirs placed there, rainwater will be collected, which will then be used to water the plants. The courtyard project also included sprinklers, which will come in handy especially on hot days. The water element is completed with drinking water dispensers.
The courtyard has also received new urban furniture. This includes benches with rounded ends and lamps. The redevelopment project took into account respect for history – the original 1940s floor was restored on the surface, laying the historic granite slabs anew.
Open Courtyard in Poznań
The redeveloped space is not only to be a place to relax, but will also be used for cultural events. The Zamek Cultural Centre plans to organise intimate concerts, theatre performances, educational workshops and activities for children here.
The photos also show a larger building. It is a glass-roofed pavilion with a café, which is expected to attract Poznaners in summer and winter. The tenant of the pavilion is yet to be chosen through an open competition.
The reconstruction of the courtyard has made it possible to better expose the Castle itself and the entrance to the Museum of the Poznan Uprising – June 1956.
design: Aleksander Wadas Studio
collaboration: Marta Tomasiak Landscape Architecture Studio
source: Municipality of Poznań
Read also: Poznań | City | Urban furniture | Places, Squares, Parks | whiteMAD on Instagram
