Work submitted for the competition
"Best Interior Diploma 2020/2022".
Nature is indispensable to humans, our relationship with nature is genetically determined. That's why, when we go on vacation, we are able to pay extra for an overnight stay just to have a beautiful panorama of a forest, lake or sea from our window. What's more, all kinds of studies show that during hospitalization, patients who have a view of nature from their windows go through their illness more smoothly and recover faster. Similarly, when moments of mental fatigue arise in our lives, we are going through a difficult time or the stress level exceeds our capacity, all we dream of is to escape to the Bieszczady Mountains.
The Art Nouveau interior of the power plant was enriched with the design of the city garden
© Kinga Zagajewska
Communing with nature helps us to function well, makes us healthier, our anxiety decreases, vitality improves, happiness levels increase, we are more creative and more willing to establish interpersonal contacts. In light of these facts, I decided to design a space that would meet the needs of people hungry for contact with nature, but living in the middle of the city.
The garden in the middle of the city would be run by local residents
© Kinga Zagajewska
Karol Scheibler's power plant has outstanding Art Nouveau interiors. A free layout, with different levels of floors, huge window openings partly filled with stained glass, emphasis on verticals, and, above all, a synthesis of the arts - the most important task of the Art Nouveau trend. Recurring motifs in various places of the building, from balustrades or applied hardware to motifs on the floor and walls. Decorative elements on doors, handles or stairs. Everything made sense and was anchored in a coherent and elaborate design. I propose to create urban public gardens here.
everyone will find a place for themselves here
© Kinga Zagajewska
At a time when it is increasingly difficult to get your own piece of land, and people often isolate themselves from others, plunging into solitude, the opportunity to grow plants and at the same time be part of the community is at a premium. Hence the idea to create a garden in the middle of the city, which will be run by local residents. It will contribute to deepening neighborhood relations and leading a healthier lifestyle.
The most representative part is the hall with large windows
© Kinga Zagajewska
The engine room, the most representative part of the development, is a 13-meter high spacious hall with huge windows. In order to let in even more light there, which has a great influence on plant vegetation, I proposed replacing part of the roofing with glass, while keeping the original wooden structure. I designed a steel deck inspired by the original balustrades found in the building. The dominant colors in the interior are white, beige and dark wood. Brick elements also appear, alluding to the raw material from which the building was erected, as well as traditional construction in Lodz.
cafe space on the first floor
© Kinga Zagajewska
The long development of pots under the windows is reminiscent of the former appearance of the hall - the tiles used are the same as the historical decor. On the other side, on the other hand, there is an author's development designed for growing flowers and plants. In this interior, a very important function is played by the line, in white and black, which in Art Nouveau was an important element to close each project.
Kinga ZAGAJEWSKA
Illustrations: © Author
