Between 2022 and 2023, a comprehensive refurbishment of the former school building in Wawrzyszów (Wolanów commune, Radom district), which had housed the community centre for many years, was carried out. The scope of work included thermal modernisation, renovation of the façade and roof, and interior fit-out. Although the investment was intended to improve the functionality and aesthetics of the space, it was accompanied by decisions that led to the historical character of the over 100-year-old building being lost.
The refurbished building was opened for use in November 2022. Modernisation included replacing the roofing, insulating the façade, renovating the south-facing terrace, refurbishing and furnishing the interior of the day centre and purchasing exercise equipment. The investment has given the community centre a new function as a space for cultural, educational and social activities. Residents can use it as a place for meetings, recreation and workshops. The total cost of the project was more than PLN 304 000, of which more than PLN 170 000 was covered by a grant.
The former school building in 2019, after initial adaptation into a community centre. The rebuilt porch and new ahistoric windows can already be seen. Photo: Google Maps
Although the aim was to increase the quality of life of the residents and improve the aesthetics of the village, the results evoke mixed feelings. The historical character of the building was not respected during the modernisation, which irreversibly affected its current appearance. The old brick façade has been replaced by modern plaster, the roof has been tiled in an ahistoric colour, the wooden finials on the gables have been removed, and the new windows and doors completely fail to imitate the divisions of the old forms. In addition, a pitched roof has been added over the terrace and there has been no decision to restore the wooden porch, which was once the building’s greatest decoration. This part of the former school was rebuilt earlier, probably during the initial conversion of the building into a day care centre. At that time, a row of tall trees was cut down during the construction of a new fence.
The former school in Wawrzyszów in 2015 and 2023. Photo: Rafał Terkner/photopolska.eu
A tree line in 2013 and the same spot in 2019. Photo: Google Maps
As a result, the former school, which could have become the pride of local residents and a treasure of local heritage, has lost its original charm. While emphasising the benefits of the investment, the investors and the project’s authors did not take into account the need to preserve the unique character of the building, which was met with criticism from internet users and lovers of local history. “The planned investment will improve the quality of life in the village, as well as significantly improve functionality and aesthetics in the village of Wawrzyszów,” – wrote the municipal authorities on their Facebook profile in May 2022.
The former school in Wawrzyszów in 2015 and 2023. Photo by Rafał Terkner/photopolska.eu
The building was one of the few brick buildings in the Wolanów commune, whose area was once part of the Russian partition. The area was dominated by wooden buildings, making the former school a unique example of local architecture. Although it was not listed in the register of monuments, it had historical and landscape value. Within the municipality, monuments are mainly limited to churches, cemeteries and the remains of manor parks, which further emphasises the importance of such buildings.
A row of trees in 2013 and the same site in 2019. Photo: Google Maps
The refurbishment of the former school in Wawrzyszów shows how a poorly executed investment can affect cultural heritage and the rural landscape. Instead of painstakingly restoring the building, it has been given a contemporary look, obliterating the unique historical features. It could have been a place which combines modern functionality with care for the past, and could have become a symbol of the thriftiness and entrepreneurship of the Wolanów commune authorities. Unfortunately, it has become an example of unused potential.
Source: Architektoniczna Rewolta/Piotr Cis-Wolterowicz, LAG Together for Radomka
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