The University of Warsaw and the Warsaw Branch of the Association of Polish Architects have settled a competition for a concept of developing the area among the historical buildings at 26/28 Krakowskie Przedmieście Street. The aim of the competition was to create a design for a public space that would emphasise the historical character of the place and at the same time ensure high quality and convenience for its users. The historic Warsaw University Campus is about to undergo a small but necessary metamorphosis.
The first prize went to Pracownia Architektoniczna 1997 and Gąska Wojcieszak Pracownia Architektoniczna. The winning team consisted of Krzysztof Frąckowiak, Rafał Hodyra, Aleksandra Kornecka, Magda Lelonkiewicz, Łukasz Gąska, Mirosław Wojcieszak and Kornel Kuzański, in cooperation with Teresa Bączkiewicz and Kasia Woźniak. The prize was PLN 50 000, and the maximum planned cost of the investment was set at PLN 34.5 million net. Participants in the competition were tasked with proposing solutions for the traffic system, the visual identification system of the campus, greenery with automatic irrigation, rainwater management based on blue-green infrastructure, and the modernisation of parts of the fences. A concept for a park pavilion was also an important part of the study.
The jury justified the selection of the winning entry primarily on the basis of its skilful combination of respect for the historical character of the campus with the needs of contemporary use. The design is distinguished by a coherent and aesthetically pleasing proposal for small architecture and a visual information system. An important element is also the modular and movable furnishings of the main square, allowing the space to be quickly rearranged. The authors opted for balanced solutions, avoiding radical changes to the traffic system and greenery. In the jury’s opinion, the concept has the merit of feasibility and predictability of running costs. It also takes into account accessibility requirements, underground infrastructure and the phasing of the investment. The only doubts are raised by the proposal for a park pavilion, which may involve implementation difficulties and maintenance costs.
Warsaw University campus now and after modernisation. Photo: Google Earth and SARP Warsaw
The historic campus of Warsaw University, whose history dates back to the early 19th century, will therefore undergo significant changes in the coming years. The former complex of edifices, built on the site of the former Kazimierzowski Palace and gradually expanded as the university developed, has served a representative and scientific function for years. It will now undergo a process of tidying up and modernising the space, with the aim of highlighting its great historical value and adapting the campus to the modern needs of the academic community.
Source: SARP Warsaw
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