Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture"
The subject of the diploma engineering thesis is the design of the development of the Szachty ecological use located in the basin of the Junikowski Stream, in the southwestern part of Poznań. The area, due to the presence of rich clay deposits, has been heavily exploited, resulting in numerous post-mining water reservoirs. Thus, there has been a reversal of relations: after the withdrawal of man, along with his industrial activities, an area with great potential for the development of flora and fauna was created.
land use plan
© Emilia Cholewa
The main goal of the project is to adapt the wasteland, making the wetlands accessible while honoring the successional greenery, as well as telling the complex history of the site. Environmental education and protection of the use, which lost its legal status under the law of December 7, 2000, is also an important aspect.
The concept is to convert the site into a Nature Park, with a visitor center being the main gateway to the reserve. Community gardens are designed in the former brickyard areas, along with modular public toilets and tool storage.
site development plan
© Emilia Cholewa
A gabion wall, filled with ceramic remains found in the former brickyard areas, is used decoratively. To maintain the continuity of internal pedestrian and bicycle communication, an ecoduct is being created — a green connector between the Szachty, which are separated into two parts. A new migration route for animals, as well as a scenic pedestrian and bicycle path, will make it possible to get to the other side of the street quickly and safely.
site development plan
© Emilia Cholewa
The introduced system of zoning the accessibility of greenery, allows to preserve as many wild areas as possible while providing access to wetlands and connecting interrupted traffic routes. The accessibility of individual areas is determined by designed pedestrian or pedestrian-bicycle paths, diversified in terms of the material used, ending locally with viewpoints that form a clear barrier between the zones. Zone one is defined by existing and newly designed paths with a strip of landscaped greenery arranged around them. Zone two is a spur from the main thoroughfare of zone one, along with existing forecourts. Zone three is inaccessible to park users, natural, intended only for observation. Locating the visitor center facility on the edge of the new nature park allows it to fit into the accessibility zones delineated throughout the reserve. The form of the building follows directly from the delineated view axes to the observation tower and the remains of the brickyard.
visualization
© Emilia Cholewa
An important aspect is also the skillful fit into the terrain on the post-mining slope. The simple and synthetic form of the building, as well as the designated directional axis in segment A (floor) and the panoramic view on the roof of segment B (first floor), make nature observation easy and accessible from all sides of the building. The central part of the building is a fan-shaped staircase, which, together with an elevator connects the A and B segments.
visualization
© Emilia Cholewa
The functional program includes a set of rooms on the first floor, consisting of a public space intended for visitors, along with a ceramics studio and a catering area, a part of the back office accessible only to the facility's employees and technical rooms located in the slope. On the first floor, there is a lobby with a reception area and an exhibition space divided into free-standing thematic segments, as well as two viewing terraces.
visualization
© Emilia Cholewa
A mullion and transom glass façade with inserts made of corten panels allows framing the view while revealing the building's steel structure, which alludes to the industrial character of the site. The building on the first floor was designed with monolithic-reinforced concrete walls and ceilings, while the second floor was designed with a steel structure. The roofs of the building above the first floor serve as viewing terraces, while the roofs above the first floor are green, with a photovoltaic installation installed.
interior visualization
© Emilia Cholewa
Emilia CHOLEWA
Illustrations: © Author
