The palace in Bieżuń and its surroundings will soon delight again. We got to know the results of the competition, whose aim was to develop a two-stage concept of revitalization and adaptation of the complex. The complex consists of the Zamoyski family palace building, the eastern palace outbuilding, the ruin of the Arianka building, the dugout lair and the chapel of the Holy Virgin. The chapel of Our Lady. The winning concept was created by the duo topoScape & Archigrest.
The main aim of the project was to create a palace and museum complex. It is planned to host a variety of events there in the future, such as exhibitions, conferences, artistic meetings, literary workshops, as well as the creation of modern accommodation, recreational and catering infrastructure. The palace complex will host open-air events and cultural events for both the local community and tourists. The main theme of these events will be historical elements, dances, literary, art and recitation competitions, as well as various artistic workshops. Participants in the competition were also asked to propose a concept for the revitalisation and modernisation of the palace building, taking into account the adaptation of the attic and creating an appropriate functional and spatial layout.
The work of the duo topoScape & Archigrest was awarded first prize for its bold and authoritative reading of the competition conditions, interpreted as a creative continuation of the development of the Baroque residence in terms of architecture and landscape. The authors proposed new outbuildings built symmetrically with respect to the palace’s compositional axis, with two cordegards (Arians) flanking the entrance to the court d’honneur. They create a new spatial value while respecting the historical premises. Their solution is characterised by a logical programme, economical implementation, moderation and mature design skills. The team appreciated the restoration of the representative character of the palace grounds and the emphasis on the palace as the centre of the grounds and a witness to history. The concept of the park is based on the classical model of a baroque palace and park establishment. Some concerns were raised about the character of the detailing of the historic interiors and the aesthetics of the elevations of the new parts – they were considered too contemporary.
The palace in Bieżuń now and after reconstruction. Photo: Tygodnik Ciechanowski, ciechpress.pl and Archigrest
The town was founded at the end of the 14th century by Płock castellan Jędrzej from Golczewo, and soon afterwards a wooden castle was built on the site of today’s palace, rebuilt a few decades later into a brick castellum, which then gained a Renaissance flair. Unfortunately, the Swedish deluge led to the collapse of the town and the destruction of the castle, which was rebuilt in the Baroque style. After some time it came into the hands of the Zamoyskis, who gave it a classicist style. The chateau has changed owners many times over the last two centuries; its form has been altered less frequently and to a lesser extent, e.g. in the mid-19th century neo-Gothic elements appeared. The main building underwent its last major renovation in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when it belonged to Stomil Piasts. The private owners who took over the building in the 1990s failed to complete any renovation, and in recent years the abandoned buildings have gradually deteriorated.
Thanks to local government officials, the palace in Bieżuń was bought by the Marshal’s Office of Mazovia and will flourish anew under the guidance of its new owner.
Concept: topoScape & Archigrest
Design team: Maciej Kaufman, Marcin Maraszek, Magdalena Wnęk, Justyna Dziedziejko, Joanna Chylak, Jerzy Przychodni, Piotr Dombrowski, Marcin Stępień, Natalia Janek, Michał Trawiński, Malwina Żbikowska.
Source: Archigrest, modanamazowsze.pl
Read also: Architecture | Renovation | Palace | Architecture in Poland | Villas and residences
