Piłsudski Square in Stalowa Wola, which is the spatial heart of the city, is a place of unique historical and urban value. The Municipal House of Culture, located next to it and entered in the register of monuments, is an important element of the local identity. Modern urban challenges and the needs of the inhabitants inspired the project for the extension and superstructure of this building by BXB studio Bogusław Barnaś. The initiative combines respect for heritage with a vision of a modern urban space that serves the community and supports its cultural development. The new MDK in Stalowa Wola will transform the image of both the square and the city.
The design for the superstructure of the Municipal Cultural Centre was created to fit harmoniously into the monumental character of the existing buildings on Piłsudski Square. The architects focused on clearly differentiating the historic storeys from the new sections through colour and material contrast, while at the same time taking care to maintain stylistic consistency and window rhythm. Glazing the ground floor windows all the way to the floor increased the transparency of the building, giving it an open, inviting character.
Along the façade and on the roof, the introduction of urban greenery was proposed to serve not only an aesthetic but also an ecological function. The roof terrace, accessible to residents, will become a place for meetings, relaxation and events such as an open-air cinema.
An integral element of the project to extend the Municipal Cultural Centre in Stalowa Wola is a modern connector in the form of a transparent, glazed tower with a steel structure, referring to the steel traditions of the city. The tower fulfils many functions, being both a practical and symbolic addition to the urban space. Its design allows efficient communication between all floors of the building, including access to the green roof garden and the basement level, and the lift provides full accessibility for people with disabilities. Thanks to its glazed form, the tower additionally offers exceptional views of the square’s skyline.
The building also has a cultural function, serving as a clock tower and structure for an outdoor cinema screen, enriching the city’s cultural offer. The evening illumination of the tower gives the space a unique character, creating a striking landmark. Multicoloured illuminations, adapted to holidays and events, emphasise its role as a symbol of urban identity. It culminates in an additional level of urban greenery.
The project for the extension and superstructure of the MDK in Stalowa Wola is in line with the idea of creating resident-friendly spaces. The open character of the building, the accessible roof, the modern functions of the tower and the glazed facades foster social integration and enrich the urban fabric with cultural, educational and recreational values.
MDK in Stalowa Wola now and after modernisation. Photo: Google Maps and BXB studio Bogusław Barnaś
The institution that manages the building will be tasked with consciously introducing functions that support the city’s development, such as workshop spaces, co-working zones, catering or initiatives that promote culture and the arts. In this way, Piłsudski Square will become the vibrant centre of Stalowa Wola.
The design by BXB studio Bogusław Barnaś combines sensitivity to historical heritage with a bold outlook on the future of the city. The well-thought-out superstructure and innovative connector with an integration tower will not only enrich the urban space, but will also contribute to building the city’s identity as a modern centre of culture and social life.
Design: BXB studio Bogusław Barnaś
Team: Bogusław Barnaś, Bartłomiej Mierczak, Justyna Duszyńska-Krawczyk, Marcin Owczarek, Magdalena Fuchs
Category: Superstructure and extension of a public utility building
Location: Stalowa Wola, Poland
Year: 2024
Client: Municipal Cultural Centre in Stalowa Wola
Read also: Ecology | Metamorphosis | Renovation | History | whiteMAD on Instagram
