"Cycles" is an inspiring initiative by Silesian University of Technology students Maciej Godlewski and Aleksander Walenka. Their project not only won recognition in a class taught by Dr. Joanna Biedronska, but was also entered in the prestigious International VELUX Award for Students of Architecture competition, focusing on innovative use of natural light. The concept involves the use of a small plot of land - a picturesque meadow next to the campus, which for years has been the site of periodic student events and a shortcut connecting the university's main axis with a nearby park.
land development
© Maciej Godlewski, Aleksander Walenko
from exercise to competition
The initial task was to develop a concept for a public building in the form of two-person teams. However, the ambitious authors decided to go beyond the standard exercises, deciding to submit the project to an international competition in parallel. This succeeded in combining theory with practice, and the passion for architecture translated into real design challenges.
The choice of the smallest available plot of land - a meadow next to the campus - proved to be a hit. This small but strategically located space, which had served recreational purposes for years, underwent a major transformation. The students decided to maximize the density of the building's functions, which allowed the area to retain its original character. Thoughtful organization of the space resulted in the creation of two squares - one at the end of the main axis of the campus, the other opening up towards the park - which promotes social integration and the organization of various cultural and educational events.
idea of the facility's facade
© Maciej Godlewski, Aleksander Walenko
innovation in practice - the use of light
One of the main objectives of the project was to maximize the use of natural light, which was particularly important in the context of the competition. Due to the unusual shape of the building, traditional window solutions did not work, so the students decided to develop a system of dynamic, perforated panels that respond to changes in the seasons and time of day. The system optimizes the building's thermal balance while taking care of the comfort of the occupants/users.
The dynamic body of the building, devoid of classical window frames, became the starting point for the search for innovative solutions. The inspiration turned out to be the nearby avenue of trees, whose rhythmic variation throughout the year inspired the creation of a system of movable, openwork panels responding to the time of day and year. On winter days, the facade opens to the low sun, allowing the rays to heat the accumulation walls that act like a modern version of a Trombe wall - energy is stored and double glazing minimizes its loss. At night, the building closes tightly, and the thermally insulated blinds and stored heat create a passive heating source with no CO₂ emissions. In summer, on the other hand, the mechanism reverses - during the day, the panels close, their bright surfaces reflect light, protecting the interiors from overheating, and the diffused, soft light is conducive to work and study. When night comes, the building opens again to absorb cool air and lower the temperature for the next day. In this way, the entire architecture functions in harmony with the natural cycle, smoothly transitioning between seasons, optimizing energy consumption and creating a harmonious relationship with the environment. The façade, inspired by nature, combines efficiency with aesthetics, and the building - thanks to its spatial organization - not only fulfills a utilitarian function, but also integrates with the public space, preserving the social character of the place.
bird's eye view
© Maciej Godlewski, Aleksander Walenko
functional division and dialogue with the environment
The functions of the building have been divided into two separate zones. The exhibition part was located on the north side, as it does not require direct daylight. Its technical facilities were carefully hidden out of sight of passersby. The modular exhibition halls were designed with flexibility in mind - they can be combined or divided at will by a mechanical curtain, allowing different events to be held simultaneously. One of the modules opens directly onto the entrance plaza, creating a seamless transition between the interior and the public space. The educational section, on the other hand, was located on the south side, where it provides access to natural, diffused light - ideal for workshop rooms, reading rooms and work spaces. It was this zone that was particularly refined for the competition, emphasizing an innovative approach to the use of daylight.
new student meadow
© Maciej Godlewski, Aleksander Walenko
The project was not short of evidence of the high level of commitment and professionalism of the students, who combined creativity, theoretical knowledge and practical design skills. Maciej Godlewski and Aleksander Walenko demonstrated not only the ability to think creatively, but also the ability to adapt to changing design conditions. The students showed that even a small space, such as a campus meadow, can become an arena for the realization of ambitious architectural visions. "Cycles" is an excellent example of how passion for architecture and the ability to think innovatively can translate into success in international competitions.
