The Lwówek Śląski Forestry Commission had a concrete parking area next to its headquarters. The reconstruction project was carried out by Łukasz Korczyński and Krzysztof Grześków from the studio Rewizja Grupa Projektowa. A thick layer of asphalt was removed and replaced with a permeable surface. Many new trees were also planted in the square. This preserved the original function of the site, but allowed trees to be introduced into the ground that will, in time, provide shade for those staying there
Previously a chaotic, irregularly shaped, black tarmac-flooded parking and utility square was in need of change. It was surrounded by sheds for agricultural machinery, terraced garages for official vehicles and a carpenter’s shop that had long since ceased to serve its purpose. This is what the Lwówek Śląski Forestry Commission’s headquarters looked like in 2019, and this is how the ‘backyards’ of state institutions or the interiors of municipal quarters often look like so far. The cars in the foreground, the clutter and the “deplorable” state of repair are hardly a worthy representation of an institution that should operate efficiently, pro-socially and in an organised manner
This is why, as a first step, we decided to tidy up the outbuildings, by partially demolishing them and partially relocating them to the elevated southern part of the site. As a result, all the agricultural machinery that disturbed the representative character of the square disappeared,” recalls Krzysztof Grześków of Rewizja Grupa Projektowa
The next step was to adjust the shape of the car park slab by building a ramp and ‘almost white’ retaining walls emphasising the rectangular shape of the designated space. This is a new architectural element that stands out for its simple form and clear function. On the one hand, it allows the smooth passage of wheeled vehicles, and on the other, it functions as a circulation route – the stairs lead to the higher ground
The architects’ next step was to apply an orthogonal grid to the surface of the square, which introduced a sense of order to the site
The design play began. Some fields were filled with an openwork surface and some with gravel. Still others with greenery,” adds the designer
A total of 38 trees were planted in the designated areas, which now de facto create the unique character of the square. However, it is a pity about the old, tall tree that originally grew on the plot. Although the project envisaged that it would remain, it turned out during the construction phase that the root system was shallow and the developer decided to remove it
Due to the open activity of the Forestry Commission (and the presence of numerous visitors), the cars could not be completely eliminated, but now they no longer dominate the space. It can be said that they appear and disappear behind the treetops, as do the employees who walk daily between the main office, the conference room and the offices located in 3 separate buildings
photos: Maciej Lulko
design: rewizja grupa projektowa(www.rewizja.info)
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