In the era of climate change, mining regions such as Silesia will face a transformation not only in terms of energy, but also in terms of functionality. An example of such a metamorphosis is to be the adaptation and redevelopment of land and buildings left behind by the defunct Wieczorek coal mine in Katowice.
Last year, the Katowice City Hall announced a competition to transform the site after the aforementioned mine into a modern Gaming and Technology HUB. Three works were awarded(see here). Although the concept submitted by the P2PA architectural studio did not win recognition from the jury, it takes an interesting approach to the creative nature of the mine and how it fits into modern reality.
View of the HUB from Szopienicka Street
© P2PA
referring to the idea
It was important for the designers to refer to the vision of the mine as an urban-creating project and creating new communities. The KWK "Wieczorek", which existed and operated for almost two hundred years, directly influenced the shape of Janowiec-Nikiszowiec. Around it, housing estates and service buildings were built over the years, changing the face of the surroundings. According to the designers, the Gaming and Technology HUB should have similar features, completely changing the character of the place.
Thenew district was designed to preserve as many original elements as possible in the post-mining buildings, while bringing them up to the standards of modern offices and data-centers. The modern additions are meant to refer to the shapes and materials used in traditional buildings, but at the same time stand out at first glance. Greenery is also an important element of P2PA's design, not only connecting the site with the adjacent Nikiszowiec housing development, but also creating a space full of alleys, squares and parks.
It was important to combine all elements into a common park
© P2PA
starting with the development
The architects began the design by cleaning up the existing development based on historical materials and assessing the preservation of individual buildings. On this basis, it was decided to eliminate part of the development. On the side of Szopienicka and Zamkowa Streets, green areas with alleys and rows of trees were introduced. Part of the parking lots will be solved above ground, and part as underground garages with entrances. A Central Square has been created between the HUB buildings, divided in part for trees and meadows and for a paved area.
plans of the buildings in the complex
© P2PA
changes to the old
The most important part of the project was the adaptation of the existing post-mining buildings to modern office, conference and server/warehouse functions. Architects from the P2PA studio tried to preserve as much of the existing historic architecture as possible. In some buildings, they focused on reducing some of the structural elements, introducing a new division of the interiors. Such measures were applied in the Mining Baths, the Lamp Room or the New Connector.
The new functions mainly concern offices, a server room and a conference area
© P2PA
new part
However, the modern Gaming and Technology HUB required much more space to meet functional requirements. The modern data-center, hotel or link between the buildings architecturally refer to the historic surroundings in both scale and material. The introduction of modern elements was also influenced by the historical layout of the establishment.
looking for modernity
The redevelopment of the former mine site into a Gaming and Technology HUB shows an important direction toward urban change and regeneration in the context of climate change or the transition of the economic model from industrial to informational. The P2PA project interestingly shows how to think about transforming entire post-industrial districts into modern, innovative technology incubators.
The issue of urban regeneration will be raised during the upcoming congress organized by the City of Lodz and Open Eyes Economy, which you will read about on our website(see here).
The main goal was to adapt to a new function
© P2PA
