In the heart of Gdansk is one of its most recognizable architectural landmarks. The Imperial Shipyard. Along the bank of the dead Vistula River, near the train station and the Old Town. It was there, at its gates, that communism in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe fell. It is a place that is a silent witness to history and the shape of Europe as we know it today. It was founded in the 19th century and was one of the most modern shipyards producing ships. Currently, the Imperial Shipyard site is being revitalized.
lobby
photo: D. Kulasiewicz © Roark Studio
Revitalization under the watchful eye of a monument conservator
The 19th-century Directorate building - the oldest building on the shipyard site - was put into use in autumn. Tricity-based Roark Studio is responsible for the revitalization project. The Directorate building was built in 1878. From the beginning it served office functions. It was expanded several times and raised by one floor in the early 20th century. During World War II it suffered - it lost part of the north and east wings. After the war it was repeatedly renovated. However, it has undergone successful revitalization under the watchful eye of a conservator only in recent periods.
"Therestoration work on the facade was carried out in a way that allows us to see the successive phases of the building's transformation, while not disturbing the uniformity of the architecture. Among other things, the differentiated pointing is readable, while the window woodwork of the original colors was exposed in the main part of the facade. A total of 330 windows were replaced or restored. Those that did not survive, even in residual form, had to be restored on the basis of photographic documentation, preserving decorative details. In the course of conducting the work, 160,000 historic bricks were cleaned, and 100 km of joints were filled and reinforced. An elevator and stair elevator were installed in the building for the first time, making the building accessible to people with limited mobility. After years, also the clock returned to its place in the tower of the Directorate building. All activities were carried out under the guidance of specialists in the field of historic preservation." - reads the description to the project.
Shipyard Management Building
photo: D. Kulasiewicz © Roark Studio
modern office, or what kind of office?
Modern office spaces are, fortunately, no longer just centuries-old open space, where it's difficult to organize work and focus well when there are endless conversations of neighbors and the intrusive sound of ringing phones in the background.
The Directorate building is L-shaped. Its 19th-century layout, which consists of corridors from which, in turn, one enters individual rooms, is the found historical functional context. However, each of these rooms is carefully designed with high attention to quality and comfort. "The functional layout is designed to foster interpersonal relationships, to allow interaction and cooperation of the community using the building. The interior will include such amenities as shared conference rooms, relaxation areas, a cafeteria, shared kitchenettes and even an area for exhibitions and events. The co-working space will be located on the top two floors of the building, and is the social heart of the building and the so-called "Mind Dock." - emphasize the architects.
projections
© Roark Studio
The mix of modernity with historic elements creates an interior with soul. Historic lobby doors, but also glass walls on the first floor, beautifully preserved and complemented by historic details. On the first floor you will find space for a café, conference room, kitchen annexes and an event room. Care has been taken here to preserve as much of the historic floor as possible. Attention is also drawn to the columns, originally gilded. It was decided to clean them of paint so as to preserve their austere appearance, with gilding still showing through in some places.
historic lobby door
Photo: D. Kulasiewicz © Roark Studio
The third and fourth floors contain a coworking area. There is also space for small conference rooms and a lounge area with a dining room. The coworking zone has the character of a modern loft. Where possible, the original parquet floors were preserved, while the rest was completed to match the character of the space.
With a monochromatic color scheme, spaces for smaller and larger tenants, and desks for hours, these are modern office spaces in the heart of historic Gdansk. We would work.
