Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzynska and Valeriia Rusnak - students of the Faculty of Architecture at the Gdansk University of Technology - won the competition to design spatial connections between the Old Town and the Gasworks area, as well as external connections of the competition area with the Imperial Shipyard, Doki, Brabank and Chlebowa estates. Their project "Memory gardens" was recognized not only for its composition facilitating urban mobility and contemporary transportation solutions, but above all for creating spiritual places in the city, becoming tools for integrating people and building community.
connecting spaces
© Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzinska and Valeriia Rusnak
competition
In the fifteenth edition of the competition organized by the City of Gdansk and Gdansk University of Technology, participants were tasked with studying the interplay of urban spaces and designing spatial connections within Gdansk. The participants, studying for their first semester of graduate studies at the Faculty of Architecture at Gdansk University of Technology, were to present new forms of development of the area on an urban and architectural scale.
Nineteen design teams took part in the competition, and their works were evaluated by a jury consisting of Prof. Ewa Kurylowicz, Prof. Magdalena Staniszkis, Prof. Katarzyna Zielonko-Jung (chairwoman), Prof. Antoni Taraszkiewicz and Prof. Wojciech Targowski. The jury awarded one first prize (PLN 12,000), two equal third prizes (PLN 6,000 each) and two equal honorable mentions (PLN 3,000 each), resigning from awarding the second prize.
site development plan
© Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzinska and Valeriia Rusnak
winning proposal
The "Memory gardens" project is an attempt to combine various urban, historical and socio-cultural threads that affect the area around the former Gasworks in Gdansk. Of particular note is the proximity of important historical points that define the area, but at the same time are isolated from each other. Thanks to in-depth historical and environmental analyses, a space was created, combining the site's historical heritage with the contemporary inner city.
visualization
© Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzinska and Valeriia Rusnak
An important aspect in the creation of the urban design of the entire establishment was the restoration of the shape of the bastion that once ran through the area. Its remnants are still visible in the urban planning of the area, which was an important point of reference when designing the development along the waterfront. The directions of the bastion's arms have been emphasized with watercourses and tracts of greenery, which is expected to have a positive impact on both the space and the environment. The pedestrian and walking routes continue along important thoroughfares, through the area of the historic Shipyard Gate, and into the Memorial Park.
visualization
© Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzinska and Valeriia Rusnak
idea
The main idea in creating the urban concept was to create a visual and functional connection between the World War II Museum, the European Solidarity Centerand the historic Polish Post Office building. The museum, as an iconic object, was the starting point for the creation of a memorial park, which would serve as a foreground for the object and emphasize its importance. The space would allow viewers to gain an in-depth understanding of the area's history, while also serving as a transition between the heavily historically characterized area and contemporary urban space.
visualization
© Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzinska and Valeriia Rusnak
memorial park
The memorial park begins at the Polish Post building and leads all the way to the World War II Museum. The main avenue, descending into the ground, creates a solemn and thought-provoking mood. Dead-end corridors, which can serve as exhibitions, diverge from the main axis, and one of them has been designated for a perpetual light commemorating those who died during the war. Complementing the park are buildings with various cultural functions.
The lowest floor houses intimate movie theaters, while the upper floors are dedicated to exhibition space and lecture and workshop rooms. The second part of the building houses a library with archives and office spaces. Inside the premise there is a separate building dedicated to catering, which allows the entire area to be used by both museum visitors and tourists, as well as local residents. In addition, the entire establishment is adapted to the needs of people with disabilities.
projections
© Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzinska and Valeriia Rusnak
meeting the needs of residents
"Memory gardens" is intended not only to revitalize and restore the significance of the areas around the Gasworks, but also to meet contemporary social needs while connecting the area to its rich history. Through urban design elements that emphasize the historical significance of the site and modern solutions, the space is intended to be not only visually attractive, but also symbolic and emotional, inspiring users. The area is intended to be used for both relaxation and reflection, putting visitors in a mood of reverie and enabling the residents of Gdansk to enjoy the cultural richness of the place. The Gdansk Garden of Remembrance reflects the heritage of the past and inspires thinking about the future.
plan, section, elevation
© Paulina Baranska, Julia Krukowska, Natalia Kwidzinska and Valeriia Rusnak
