CONNECTION - an idea project, connecting four ecosystems

Ola Skorupa

23 of May '24

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A graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the West Pomeranian University of Technology - {tag:studenci} - created a project for alternative development of the sea belt. "CONNECTION" consists of an ecotourism trail and an environmental education center. Her idea is to connect four ecosystems: The cliffs of the Wolin National Park, the Baltic Sea, the Lubiewo Forest and mid-forest meadows.

ecological tourism trail

idea

CONNECT is an ambitious undertaking, combining multiple dimensions. On the macro scale, the project focuses on connecting four ecosystems, creating a harmonious nature trail. On the micro scale, encompassing individual buildings, such as the Pavilions: Cliff, Sea, Charm, Liaison, and the CONNECTIONS Education Center, it focuses on the synergistic connection between architecture and the surrounding natural environment - cliff, sea, forest and meadow. On a human level, the LINK encourages reflection on our relationship with nature and our impact on the environment. It allows us to ask ourselves difficult questions about our behavior and think about how we can positively affect our surroundings. The name ZŁĄCZKA not only means to connect, but also phonetically resembles "of the meadow" (a small meadow), reflecting the numerous references to this type of environment, visible both in front of the building and on its roof, where a colorful, species-diverse floral meadow has been designed.

visualization

Maritime Pavilion

The CONNECTION trail consists of five structures: The Main Pavilion, and around it the smaller pavilions Sea, Cliff, Charm and Liaison. The perpendicular-walled structure of the Sea Pavilion was placed among the coastal waves, reminding us of our responsibility for the cleanliness of bodies of water. The concrete structure, overlaid with a dark gray nylon mesh, is designed to capture larger impurities deposited during storms. Due to the harsh sea conditions, the entire structure is made of concrete, but in order to minimize its negative impact on the environment, an edible concrete mix with cabbage was used, which gives it its characteristic greenish color and allows the use of local food waste. To reduce the risk of animals getting entangled in the netting, recycled large-mesh nylon material was used. The Maritime Pavilion not only blends aesthetically with its surroundings, but also serves an educational and ecological function, emphasizing the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem.

Cliff Pavilion

TheCliff is the tallest of four smaller pavilions, erected in the buffer zone of Wolin National Park on top of a sea cliff, by the steps leading to Kawcza Góra. The pavilion is intended to serve as a temporary shelter for trail travelers, as well as a place for education about the geological structure of the area. Knowledge of the geological layers on which the pavilion is placed is to be conveyed in an unusual way - by climbing. Perpendicular glass forms, arranged in the shape of waves, will house compacted layers of different types of local soil, according to their actual arrangement, from the deepest to the shallowest. To explore each of these layers, visitors will have to climb up stone climbing holds mounted on the structure. There will be different heights of the walls with varying degrees of difficulty, as well as places to install auxiliary ropes, so that the climbing route can be adapted to users' skills.

From left: the Maritime Pavilion and the Klif Pavilion

Uroczysko Pavilion

TheCharming Pavilion is the author's variation on the "tree house" archetype . A small, cuboidal building rises among the forest canopy, supported by four barked pine stakes instead of a traditional live tree. The use of dead wood is intentional to draw attention to the problem of deforestation in pine forests, which is often difficult to see. Inside the pavilion, cross-sectioned trunks of various tree species are placed above an oblong seat, along with their descriptions and reasons for cutting them down. The Uroczysko pavilion serves not only as a place to gain knowledge, but also as a rest area. From the vantage point, through an openwork wall composed of branches or through a large glass window on the shorter side of the cubicle, one can enjoy the view of the pine forest. The façade of the "tree house", made of bark pulled from piles, further enhances the feeling of being among the trees, heightening the impression of harmony with the surrounding nature.

Łączka Pavilion

Łączka is located just at the end of the projected trail, next to the main educational facility CONNECTIONS. Łączka is a place that is meant to encourage reflection after traveling along the ecological tourism trail. The simple, symmetrical, modular form, bathed among meadow greenery and ferns, provides an ideal space for relaxation. The building has an elongated, single-story open form, reminiscent of Japanese pavilions. The only elements enclosing the body of the building are a green roof and a green wall arranged on the axis of the longer side. In order to provide a more in-depth, relaxing contact with nature, tendons were attached from ground level to the eaves of the facility's roof, on which climbing plants climb. The Link Pavilion, with its harmonious integration into the surrounding nature, offers a tranquil and inspiring space for reflection and relaxation, ending a hike along an ecological trail in a place full of greenery and natural beauty.

From top: CONNECTION pavilion, Łączka pavilion, Uroczysko pavilion

The CONNECTION pavilion

ZŁĄCZKA is the last pavilion on the tourist trail between the landscapes of Miedzyzdroje. Its form refers to the shape of a gate, acting as a kind of border between meadow and forest landscapes. The object, through the use of different types of greenery, is meant to connect these two ecosystems. The wooden pillars are covered with climbing vegetation typical of the forest, while the roof is overgrown with meadow greenery similar to that in the area. The pavilion's structure was designed with the needs of the fauna in mind - it is gently raised above the ground, allowing smaller animals to pass freely underneath. The organically shaped connector can accommodate people, plants and animals alike. The inner part of the pavilion serves as an exhibition space, while outside, among the lattice-like structures, animal shelters are placed. THE CONNECTION as an educational center is a place that connects man and nature. The main goal of the project is to show that such a connection can be both enjoyable and engaging.

visualization

A CONNECTIONas a trail is a combination of different types of landscapes and the edges of Miedzyzdroje along the waterfront, integrating forms of environmental education with recreation. As a building, THE CONNECTION combines a forest ecosystem with a meadow ecosystem, responding to the needs of fauna, flora and man in one architectural creation. It is a place that unites man with nature through environmental education, while integrating different types of public and individual transportation.