The Bobrowisko nature enclave in Stary Sącz was awarded first place in 2018 in the public space category in the 9th edition of the competition for the Stanislaw Witkiewicz Małopolski Voivodeship Award. Below we remind you of the winning project by Anna Szewczyk-Swiątek and Wojciech Świątek of 55Architekci.
TheBorowisko Nature Enclave, located in the forks of the Dunajec and Poprad rivers in Stary Sącz, has become another destination for short trips after the platform in Wola Krogulecka. The realization was awarded for its non-invasive action in the natural environment. As we read in the justification of the jury:
The intimate scale, sophisticated location, beautifully selected material and original form perfectly integrated into the landscape build the belief that our building can also be part of nature.
The footbridge was built on the site of a former gravel pit
Photo: Dariusz Ptak © 55Architekci
footbridge over the beaver revetment
The Beaver Revetment project was created to provide access to a unique place - an area of a former gravel pit transformed by natural succession. The concept of a foot bridge near the beaver revetment, along with two observation structures, is the architects' response to the lack of public places in scenically attractive suburban areas. The place, located off the beaten track, in the fork of mountain rivers, is intended by the initiators to have an educational function, sensitizing people to the beauty of nature and making them aware of its power.
A wooden footbridge leads to an observation point
Photo: Jakub Adamczyk © 55 Architekci
surrounded by nature
A characteristic feature of the space is its intimate, non-invasive character, preserved through architectural solutions. The solutions adopted - the footbridge overlapping the wetlands and water, and the lack of railings cause attentiveness that allows vigilant observation of the surroundings. The footbridge with an organic route allows gradual assimilation of the view, from different perspectives.
The designed route allows gradual observation of nature
© 55 Architects
nature step by step
The designed route allows a gradual acquaintance with the natural phenomenon of the Beaverfield. The envisaged course and form of the bridge is to allow direct contact with nature, to emphasize its power and expansiveness, but also to show the viewer its variability. The designed accesses to the observation structures dispense visual impressions. They briefly calm perception, creating a state of anticipation. On the other hand, lookouts made of raw wood are located in places where beavers, swans and other animals characteristic of the region often appear.
The openings direct the eye to places where animals most often appear
Photo: Wojciech Świątek © 55 Architekci
Irregular openings in the sheathing obscure users and allow free observation of nature. The educational aspect is added by small dioramas depicting the stages of the site's creation and drawing attention to the most important elements of the natural context. The site also features engraved plaques with visual and textual information about local flora and fauna. The wood - the main building material - will undergo constant, gradual changes, blending more and more into its surroundings.
We would like to remind you that only until June 30 this year is the call for applications for the next 10th edition of the competition for the Stanislaw Witkiewicz Award of the Malopolska Region.
compiled by: Dobrawa Bies
illustrations courtesy of 55Architekci
