New buildings and a green amphitheater square, opening up a view of the Gdansk skyline. The vision for the development of the PKS station area, which was prepared on behalf of the investor by Jacek Droszcz of Studio Kwadrat, promises to be really promising.
Erected in the 1970s to a design by Bernard Coft , the PKS bus station building in Gdansk is today a poor showcase for the city. The building itself, as well as the area around it with bus parking stands, looks terrible, is run down and its glory days are long behind it. The need for reconstruction has been talked about in Gdansk for years. In 2012, the site along with the building fell into the hands of Górski Construction Company, which announced that it plans to move the transportation function underground, and in place of the Coft-designed building will build office buildings, a new square, commercial buildings, services, including a hotel. The local plan, passed in 2022, took into account the investor's vision, while stipulating that the area of the station must not be less than 500 sqm.
PKS station in Gdansk on 3 Maja Street
photo: Ewa Karendys
it's terrible, there will be a new meeting place
Now, on behalf of the investor, the concept for the development of the area is being prepared by Jacek Droszcz of Studio Kwadrat. His studio is known for such projects as the Museum of World War II, Brabank, and the Granaria residential and commercial development complex, a major investment on Granary Island. The new vision for the bus station involves the construction of two new buildings, but the most interesting part will be the greened plaza that will be located between them.
Cross-section through the station hall and city square
© Jacek Droszcz | Studio Kwadrat
The main idea is to create a new urban space, which would be formed in the place indicated in the local plan for a city square. The difference is that it would be elevated. The square would include recreational functions, taking advantage of the slope, the square would provide an extensive, very interesting view of the panorama of Gdansk. A new place of observation would be created , and at the same time it would be very accessible ," says Jacek Droszcz in an interview with A&B.
At its highest point, the square would be elevated to a height of 7.5-8 meters. Such a solution is due to the fact that, according to the local plan, the maneuvering area for buses must be underground.
Silhouette from the side of 3 Maja
© Jacek Droszcz | Studio Kwadrat
And it is with this provision that I argued the most. By raising the plaza, the maneuvering slab will be naturally illuminated and ventilated - and people feel much better in such spaces, explains the designer, who has received assurances from the city that the creation of an amphitheatrical slope, will continue to be treated in the office as a plaza.
Importantly, the concept gives hope for the revival of this part of the city. The area of the bus station is a place with great potential: in the vicinity is the historic Napoleonic Redoubt, which was built during the period of the Free City of Gdansk, and the vantage point on Gradowa Gora, which offers a beautiful view of Gdansk. As Jacek Droszcz explains, by raising the square, one or two footbridges over the escarpment can be designed, creating an interesting crossing towards the paths leading to the Napoleonic Redita. The place can thus come alive, today few people come here.
View of the city square
© Jacek Droszcz | Studio Kwadrat
multifunctional development
The vision is that two buildings will be constructed: one will be used mainly for travelers, while the other is to house services, offices, hotel functions and apartments for rent. The first floors will be commercial. On the facades, the local plan imposes ceramic, clinker cladding, referring in color and texture to historical buildings. In addition, according to the emerging concept, two walls of the buildings, directly facing the square, are to be green, creating an inviting space.
The investor and the designer presented the concept at a meeting with Piotr Grzelak, vice-president of Gdansk, Piotr Lorens, City Architect, and representatives of the Gdansk Development Bureau.
The railway station hall looks terrible today
photo: Ewa Karendys
There's no denying that the area of the bus station definitely falls short of our expectations. We are impatiently waiting for the implementation of the development plan passed several years ago. In this context, we met with CEO Bogdan Górski of PB Górski and his team," commented Piotr Grzelak, deputy mayor of Gdansk.
The effects on the space, however, will have to wait. According to the architect, the design itself may take nearly a year and a half. The project will still have to get the green light from the Pomeranian Regional Monument Conservator.
