The Wojciech Świętosławski Hall at the Faculty of Chemistry of the University of Warsaw has undergone a thorough metamorphosis. After three years of modernisation, the interior has gained a new quality without losing its historical identity. The architects responsible for the project speak of a “dialogue with the past,” but in practice it is something more: a consistent reinterpretation of academic tradition in the language of contemporary architecture.
The impetus to begin the work came from the university, which invited designers to present their vision for the modernisation. An earlier, unrealised approach to the renovation showed that the need for change had been maturing for years. An educational audit confirmed this unequivocally: the auditorium did not meet contemporary standards of comfort, acoustics or technology. It was decided to make changes.
The design for the auditorium’s metamorphosis was prepared by architects Piotr Pamięta and Michał Waśkiewicz. From the outset, the architects saw this space as more than just a problem to be solved. “The auditorium has enormous historical value that cannot be ignored,” they emphasise. It was this awareness that became the foundation for the project, which will be implemented between 2021 and 2024.
Before renovation: a space that had lost its coherence
The initial condition was difficult. Worn woodwork, chaotic lighting, visible installations, platforms bearing traces of many years of use. The interior was dark, heavy and perceived as oppressive. Added to this were thermal problems – underheated in winter and overheated in summer. Although the hall had its historical significance, it had ceased to fulfil the function for which it was created. Modernisation was a necessity.
Restoring character
The designers set themselves a clear goal: to create a harmonious, orderly space conducive to concentration. It was not about reconstructing the past, but reinterpreting it. Minimalism was not to be a fashion here, but an organising tool – based on light, proportions and natural materials. It was these elements that became the axis of the entire concept.
One of the most interesting aspects of the project is the way in which historical details were treated. The antique cranks for lowering the lamps – once part of the daily operation of the hall – were renovated and displayed on the wall. The benches and seats underwent a complete renovation, retaining their lines and character, but strengthening the structure and improving the quality of use.
Mendeleev’s table remained the central point of reference – a symbolic and functional element of the space. In the new arrangement, it gained even greater importance, and new elements (lighting, fittings, acoustics) were designed so as not to compete with history, but to complement it.
The geometry of the hall favoured linear luminaires, which organise the space and emphasise its rhythm. Indirect light provides soft, even luminance without straining the eyes during long lectures. Different lighting scenes allow the hall to be adapted to lectures, presentations or examinations.
Cheer up!
This is one of the most important areas of change. A cascading ceiling made of acoustic panels, covered with a special sound-absorbing plaster, significantly reduced reverberation. Wooden slats on the walls serve both an aesthetic and acoustic function, dispersing reflections. Cooperation with an acoustician was crucial – initial speech intelligibility measurements were poor, so acoustic adaptation became one of the pillars of the project.
Details
Rounded furniture, tables, shelves, profiles and wooden modules – many elements were created specifically for this space. Proportions, radii of curvature, and how materials work in natural and artificial light were tested. As a result, the interior has a consistency that is not the result of chance, but of consistency.
A new feature is the foyer, designed in response to the real needs of students. It is a soft, informal space that balances the monumentality of the lecture hall. It is a place for rest, conversation and preparation for classes. At the same time, it serves a representative function, giving the building a new functional quality.
The resulting interior is calm, harmonious and devoid of aggressive accents. Wood and light create a duo that gives it warmth, but without decorative exaggeration. The monumentality of the building has been preserved, but softened by natural materials and balanced lighting. It is an academic space in the best sense of the word – serious but friendly.
The architects emphasise that they are most proud of the consistency of the design. From the main hall to the foyer, everything creates a single narrative. Every detail supports the function and atmosphere. User reactions confirm that the auditorium has become a place people want to return to.
design: Piotr Pamięta@pam_piotrpamieta& Michał Waśkiewicz@022design
styling: Ewa Jezierska
photography: Kąty Proste / www.katyproste.pl
Read also: Warsaw | Education | Metamorphosis | Interiors | Detail | Recommended
