The square in front of the Zodiac at Wiecha Passage underwent a complete metamorphosis. The hitherto concrete patch of the capital has been transformed into an oasis of greenery and a place to relax. The renovation, which has just been completed, is part of the wider “New Centre of Warsaw” project, which aims to revitalise and green urban spaces in the city centre.
The former concrete square, located in front of Warsaw’s Zodiak Architecture Pavilion, has been transformed into a more intimate and comfortable place. The new arrangement will provide shade on hot days and preserve the existing functions of this space, while giving it a more welcoming character. The modernisation of the square is part of a broad programme carried out on the initiative of Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski. As part of this project, similar changes have been carried out on, among others, Bracka and Polna Streets, as well as on the squares known as Pięciu Rogów and Trzech Krzyży. Further investments, such as the revitalisation of Central Square and the redevelopment of the quarter of Złota and Zgoda Streets, are in progress.
The square in front of the Zodiac was designed to harmonise with the green promenade on Chmielna. Thirty-four trees, including birches and hornbeams, have been planted in the newly arranged space, and more than 4,000 perennials and shrubs are planned. This vegetation will not only provide natural shade, but will also help to lower the ambient temperature through the evaporation of water from the leaves. In addition, elements supporting urban fauna have appeared in the space of the square – special habitats for birds and insects and watering holes made of hollow stones with a permanent watering system. Such solutions will contribute to increasing biodiversity in the centre of the capital.
Photo: R. Motyl. Warsaw City Hall
As part of the redevelopment, ecological technologies have been used to aid rainwater retention. The surface of the square rests on point-like posts, allowing rain to soak naturally into the soil instead of being discharged into the sewer system. A 10-cubic-metre retention tank has also been placed beneath the surface of the square, which will allow vegetation to be irrigated during dry periods. An automatically controlled watering system will allow additional savings in water management. An important aspect of the redevelopment was also the reuse of pre-existing elements of the square’s landscaping, which fits in with the pro-ecological approach to the modernisation of urban spaces.
Despite the many changes, the square has retained its existing functions – it will continue to be a place for meetings, cultural events and recreation. Improvements such as new benches, bicycle racks and space for café tables will make the space even more attractive and comfortable for users. The full extent of the changes will be best seen when the planted areas have put out their leaves and flowers.
Designer: RS Landscape Architecture
Source: Warsaw City Hall
Read also: Architecture in Poland | Places, Squares, Parks | Greenery | Warsaw | Metamorphosis | whiteMAD on Instagram
The square in front of the Zodiac formerly and today. Photo by Panek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons and R. Motyl, UM Warszawa
