Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture"
The dualistic nature of the urbanization process leads, on the one hand, to an increase in the prosperity of society, while on the other hand, it promotes the development of many diseases of civilization. The urban environment, due to polluted air, excessive noise and the fast pace of life, is not very friendly to physical and mental regeneration. However, the process of urbanization is affecting more and more areas and extends beyond city limits. In recent years, naturally valuable areas have seen a significant development of activities that are in close relation to nature.
bird's eye view visualization
© Marta Rybicka
Tourism based on natural assets has great social and economic potential, however, the growing interest of tourists raises the need to control tourist traffic to prevent excessive concentration in the most attractive areas. The aim of the project was to take advantage of the tourist potential of Podlaskie Voivodeship, which lies mainly in the extraordinary natural assets of the Biebrza National Park, and the main idea — the conviction that only direct contact with the beauty of nature can bring us closer to it and inspire us to act on its behalf. Therefore, the object of the work was to create a base for researchers and tourists, as well as a comprehensive system of bird and animal observation points, which will allow visitors to observe the unique scenery from a close distance in a way that is protective while still providing access to a wide view. The designed architecture is in keeping with the surrounding nature and emphasizes its uniqueness. Considerate thought has been given to the location of facilities and access to this unique area of the national park and its immediate surroundings.
base camp, mock-up
© Marta Rybicka
In the park's buffer zone in the village of Wierciszewo, a base camp with an accommodation function for researchers and tourists was designed. The main building is a buffer separating the house from the road and the village, while the others slope down towards the Biebrza River, providing users with a view of its floodplains. The layout refers to the traditional homestead layout in Podlasie province, also the form of the buildings is inspired by Podlasie architecture. Characteristic and distinguishing features of individual buildings are the forms of gables.
base, first floor plans, elevations and sections
© Marta Rybicka
In the main building, the gable walls have been designed as openwork, which discreetly refer to traditional wooden gables and protect the interior from the sun and prying eyes. Large glazings allow a dialogue with the landscape, and thanks to shutters, the buildings are not exposed to excessive sunlight during the summer. The shutters allow the homestead to be almost completely closed off when not in use. The heart of the main building is the kitchen, which, like the stove in traditional architecture, is located in the central part of the building. Thanks to this solution, life in the living area revolves around the stove, as originally intended for a typical living room.
base, visualization of the gable elevation
© Marta Rybicka
The lookout points were designed as one-, two- or three-story structures. Their construction is made of openwork elements that form multi-level, permeable and compact structures. This makes it possible to enjoy scenic views and peep at nature even before reaching the highest observation deck. The modular nature of the points allows the height to be shaped as desired, so it can be tailored to the requirements of a specific location and adapted to the conditions there. Thanks to their compact nature, the materials used and their relatively small dimensions, the facilities blend modestly into their surroundings and allow you to experience nature in an extremely intimate way.
visualization of the observation tower
© Marta Rybicka
Marta RYBICKA
Illustrations: © Author
