The grounds of the Wola Museum in Warsaw are a space where nature has been invited to fill the place. The project is intended to integrate different areas. When creating the concept, for example, there were requests from the communities to which parts of the plots belong that the Museum not make changes. So we had to stick to the property boundaries, aiming to visually integrate these spaces.
The creation of a flower meadow in place of the lawn was necessary because of its visual appeal. I'm not a big fan of such meadows and don't sow them very often, as I prefer more natural, overgrown "fourth nature" spaces. However, we hope that the grasslands will remain as they are and that communities will mow the grass less frequently, according to our suggestions. This will give the effect of interpenetration of spaces, a visual connection between areas.
Wola Museum in Warsaw, landscape design - proj.: Pracownia Projektowa Krajobrazy
visualizations: Rafał Pałka, Roman Lewkowicz © Pracownia Projektowa Krajobrazy
In our design, we assumed that the front of the building would become a kind of advertisement, an element that would attract attention. We opted for characteristic greenery - half of the facade is overgrown, while the other half remains clean, showing details of the historic architecture. This solution is somewhat controversial. However, it fits the Wola Museum, in my opinion.
We prepared a prototype on the Museum's grounds - a square with a cut surface. This solution has worked very well in my neighborhood. The cuts in the pavement are for water retention. Water from the entire surface is not drained outside, except during heavy rains. For this project, we worked with surveyors who took precise measurements of the area, allowing us to determine the exact slopes, so we avoided a pretend water collection system. It's a gravity-only system, with the active participation of water-retaining vegetation - each cube was shifted slightly, creating gaps so that water could penetrate such a surface, and an ecosystem built up in the gaps; peat-free soil and vegetation of the third and fourth nature were introduced, and some areas were left completely empty. This experience showed how different types of vegetation can coexist in such an area. We wanted to reverse the process that usually occurs on this type of pavement, where vegetation is removed - the greenery here is supposed to freely overgrow the pavement. With all of this, accessibility is very important to us - the solutions are to allow safe movement of strollers and must not be a barrier for the blind or visually impaired. The public consultation also showed that paths are needed to ensure that the space is properly connected. Intersections that collect water do not adversely affect accessibility.
The former parking lot was transformed into a vernacular plaza. The existing asphalt plaza, of which many remain in the space of our cities from a bygone era, is now also cracked. In our project, it has been deliberately made even more cracked, thus contributing to better retention, the growth of potential vegetation now known as weeds, while still serving as a paved stretch for play. Cracked paving slabs located in the former parking lot next to the building were reused. An exhibition system designed for outdoor exhibitions has been planned here. In addition, a small lecture and workshop space was planned, equipped with furniture from a manufacturer that has demonstrated that it follows closed-loop principles . This square, equipped with "retention notches," leads to a recreation area. On one side is a passive recreation area on native turf. Most of the playground equipment does not require special safety zones, so only where necessary a layer of sand was added. The existing wall, which is decorated with graffiti and has sentimental value for the institution's staff and residents, was moved, as a road is planned where it stood. At the request of residents, the playground was fenced with a wooden fence with climbing plants. This is one of the residents' proposals carried out as part of the public consultation.
In the area you can see sections that are overgrown naturally. We have inscribed multi-trunk trees in them. They were brought from closed-circuit nurseries, are dug directly from the ground, have large parameters and are developed. The trees introduced into the area are intended to create a light grove, which at the same time captures the compositional effect of the landscape architect's work. The goal is to create a naturalizing atmosphere that emphasizes both the beauty of nature and a responsible approach to space design.
Wola Museum in Warsaw, landscape design - proj.: Pracownia Projektowa Krajobrazy
visualizations: Rafał Pałka, Roman Lewkowicz © Pracownia Projektowa Krajobrazy
Another important element is the "moor", inspired by the design of Alina Scholtz, one of the designers of the Moczydło Park in Warsaw. The museum's 2021 exhibition, co-organized by the CENTRALA Design Group, titled "More Greenery! Projects by Alina Scholtz." Based on the ceramic model of the reservoir and landform they created, I discussed with the sculptor the possibility of recreating this element at a scale that would allow its multifunctional use - as a watering hole for birds, a place for young children to play, as well as a space for plants and a humidifying element. The idea arose that a retention basin with filtration would be placed next to it, which, although closed, would not require chlorination of the water, but rather would use technology similar to that used in swimming ponds, albeit slightly modified, according to consultations with the contractor.
We decided to continue with the idea of painting the paving stones white, since some of them have already been painted this way and the solution has worked well. We decided that we could apply this method to the entire surface of the gray pavement. We used matte road paint, the same as on pedestrian crossings, which ensures safety and prevents slipping.
Although there is a lot of talk here about overgrowth and inviting greenery, nature, the project had to fulfill representative functions. The facility and grounds should allow for workshops, meetings and other events, as well as provide space for children to use the playground when not attending the openings. These assumptions, along with guidelines from the investor, the Museum of Warsaw, as well as public consultations and careful analysis, formed the basis of our concept. As a result, what we have here is a space that serves multiple functions: from ground, to leisure and workshop, to representative. The design includes a café with deck chairs and tables, which are placed directly on the lawns, with no additional paving.
Parking spaces were also planned for coaches that bring groups visiting the Wola Museum. The idea was to create a space that would allow an easy driveway. Another important element of the design was the complete removal of parking spaces along the front of the museum to allow larger vehicles such as coaches to maneuver freely when groups disembark and depart. Such a "Kiss and ride.
Wola Museum in Warsaw, landscape design - proj.: Pracownia Projektowa Krajobrazy
visualizations: Rafał Pałka, Roman Lewkowicz © Pracownia Projektowa Krajobrazy
During the consultation, the color scheme of the small architecture changed. Initially we decided on a red accent, but during the discussions the possibility of using the colors of the corporate identity was pointed out. The Centrala Group, which had conducted research related to the area a few years earlier, also took part in the consultation, and it was Malgorzata Kuciewicz who drew attention to the existing identification. We adapted the design to the new requirements, this solution calmed the space, giving it a more harmonious character.
In design we think about our impact on the environment. Here we were very keen to implement biocycles so that all the processes involved in the biomass cycle take place on the project site, minimizing the need for waste disposal and the energy consumption needed to maintain the green space. We use peat-free or even native soil, without additional use of fertilizers, thus preserving its ecosystem and reducing degradation of mature specimens.
We try to combat climate change at every stage of operation. In my professional work, I am currently focusing on projects that take full advantage of these assumptions. The Wola Museum is an example of an approach in which we introduce solutions that respect existing resources while striving to minimize negative environmental impacts. We created this project taking into account the principles of a closed-loop economy. We wanted to extend the life of existing objects and elements in the space, maximizing their potential. In practice, this means repairing and adapting what is already in place, taking into account upcycling and downcycling opportunities.
Wojciech Januszczyk
Read more: A&B 10/2024 - UPGRADING AND CIRCULARITY,
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