The Palmett architectural studio’s concept for a street reconstruction project in the Old Prague area has won second prize in an architecture and urban planning competition announced by the city. The winning design was described HERE. This time, we draw attention to an alternative version, which was also appreciated by the members of the competition jury.
The area covered by the competition task is today a neglected place, chaotic and dominated by car traffic. Although its urban structure offers a clear framework and many valuable buildings, they remain trapped in an undefined environment. The project treats the designated area not as a collection of separate points in need of local repair, but as a viable extension of Warsaw’s inner city. Through the creation of a system of interconnected and comfortable public spaces, a coherent yet diverse whole is to be created.
Greenery, which is the most important missing element in the downtown fabric, has been given priority. The concept connects the Zoological Gardens and Praski Park with the Praski Port and the Vistula promenade, creating a series of ecological corridors. The space has been prepared with various users in mind – seniors strolling ‘from bench to bench’, parents with children, people with limited mobility, Praga residents and tourists discovering the colourful character of this part of Warsaw. This makes the place vibrant and an open stage for the local community, employees of neighbouring businesses and visitors to the New Warsaw Centre.
Pro-environmental solutions include the reduction of paved areas in favour of greenery, the use of permeable mineral, resin and sand surfaces or the introduction of walkways with flexible paving. Rainwater is channelled to rain gardens and retention basins, which encourages its natural infiltration and allows excess water to be stored for irrigation of plants during dry periods. Existing fragments of greenery will be integrated with new plantings of tall and low species resistant to urban conditions. The whole project will be complemented by energy-efficient led lighting of warm and neutral colours, with the possibility of dimming at night, and the elements of small architecture – Warsaw benches, baskets and stands – will be made of materials of high durability, eliminating the need for frequent repairs.
Veterans Square currently:
The main thrust of the project is multifunctionality and service support. The recreational space is adapted to people of all ages through numerous seats, tables and benches and sensory play elements. Traffic routes and pavements have been designed to encourage food gardens and commercial activities, eliminating steps and creating gentle walkways. The street is given a new face with the introduction of squares, walking alleys and recreational zones.
The identity of the place has been preserved by emphasising the historic facades and urban axes. The form of openings, rows of trees and spatial accents highlight valuable architectural elements, while the muted colours of materials and planting harmonise with the historical context. Historic pavements, property entrances and lamp posts have been given new life by preserving and highlighting their historical qualities, which reinforces the unique character of Old Prague.
Weteranów Square after the changes:
Adaptation to climate change involves maximising tree planting and linking existing green enclaves into a unified network. Replacing some of the parking spaces with vegetation supports the urban flora and fauna, and rainwater management – rain gardens and retention basins – ensures resilience to extreme weather events.
Pedestrian and cycling priority has been introduced through new transport organisation, the use of vehicle slowing solutions, reduced parking spaces and a Tempo 30 zone. Wide, smooth pavements and sloping edges next to buildings incorporate universal design principles, and cyclists will benefit from segregated routes on key streets and parking spaces for bicycles and scooters.
The flexibility of the proposed space allows it to be adapted for educational or cultural events, while using resilient materials and avoiding fragile elements, increasing the durability of the solution. In terms of economics, the design uses existing, old-use materials – basalt, granite and historic kerbs – and the urban furniture is based on standard, tried-and-tested designs to reduce running costs.
design team: Anna Białkowska, Bartłomiej Gasparski, Michał Gzela, Jan Jakiel, Karina Józwik-Ostrysz, Sebastian Kochel, Wiktor Kubik, Kamil Kwiatkowski, Paweł Pytlasiński, Magdalena Strużycka, Justyna Wilkowska
source: Palmett
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