Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma of Interiors 2022/2024".
The project is a proposal for the revitalization of the interiors of the Trzonolinowiec building in Wroclaw [proj.: Andrzej Skorupa, Jacek Burzynski - editor's note] in the spirit of biophilic design. This design refers to any space shaping activities that put the mental and physical well-being of humans first. Research conducted in this area indicates that humans respond positively to stimuli from nature. Living in an urbanized environment is a relatively short interval in the entire process of human evolution.
elevation of Trzonolinowiec
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
The choice of the building, which was constructed in 1967, stemmed from an interest in Polish modernism and a desire to draw attention to this innovative building, whose construction is based on a shaft and ropes. It has eleven floors and is a multi-family residential building.
Ground and recurring floor plans, from 2nd to 10th.
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
In the work, I decided to keep the original division into four apartments on each floor. On the second floor there is a cafe accessible to all, and the top floor is a multifunctional space for residents.
plans of the 1st and 11th floors
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
Three categories distinguished by biophilic design researchers, the application of which has a positive impact on humans, are important in my project. These are: nature in space (direct contact with it), natural analogies (all stimuli or objects that resemble elements of the natural environment, such as low-processed materials) and the nature of space (for example, a room layout that gives a sense of security).
First floor, entrance to the building
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
One of the most important design decisions was to completely glaze the facade and add concrete elements with balustrades to the ceilings, where grasses grow. Thanks to the glazing and the grasses, users have constant contact with nature. This makes them feel like they are in nature, despite living in the city center. In addition, the tall grasses are meant to provide residents with privacy.
Finishing materials such as clay plaster, rattan and modified veneer are important in the design. These are materials associated with nature and evoke soothing feelings. Rough clay plasters have very beneficial health properties. Rattan visually warms interiors, it is a natural material, in addition, the light seeping through its meshes, evokes the light penetrating through the leaves of trees. Modified veneer, on the other hand, is a material with a natural pattern, allowing it to be used for large areas.
The color scheme in the interiors is subdued. On the first floor, where structural lines are visible, I used a shallow water tank fed by rainwater collected in the building. In addition, I used plant pots, which are planted on the ceiling pointwise, with glass plinths running along their entire length, intended to create the impression of floating above the ground. The ethereal ropes may draw attention with their delicacy - they are now concreted and do not look like they did originally.
First floor, water tank
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
The counter of the café and the enclosed form of the warehouse, through the use of glass and metal pedestals, give the impression of floating above the ground. In this space there are also hanging seats designed by me, intended to be a kind of shelter giving a sense of comfort.
1st floor, cafe
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
In the living interiors, due to the small amount of space, terraced windows have been used instead of a balcony, so that the living room can become a covered terrace (they can be slid down, leveling the boundary between inside and outside). The furniture is moved away from the outside walls, its rounded forms allow light to spread gently in the interior.
apartment, living room
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
The top floor is a multifunctional space for tenants. There is a balcony with suspended armchairs to relax while looking at the city, the wall is clad with a metal structure interestingly diffusing light and associating it with a rough sheet of water. On this floor, the vegetation has been moved toward the shaft.
The top floor, residents' common space
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
The building is intended to provide biophilic stimuli to tenants, bring them closer to nature, and give them a sense of comfort and security.
Magdalena ANZORGE-KURKOWSKA
Illustrations: © Author
