The work of Wiktor Sawoch and Sebastian Kawalec from the Faculty of Architecture at the Wrocław University of Technology was created as part of a competition to develop an urban-architectural concept for the development of the former Unit D in Legnica. The competition, organized by the city authorities, was aimed at selecting a project that would fit into the existing surroundings in a modern and functional way and create a space that would meet the needs of the residents/residents. The presented solutions were appreciated by the jury, which awarded this proposal the third prize.
site development plan
© Wiktor Sawoch, Sebastian Kawalec
transformation of a forgotten space
The area covered by the competition, located between Marszałek Józefa Piłsudskiego Avenue and the Legnica-Jawor railroad tracks, has remained undeveloped for years. The project envisages the creation of a modern housing estate consisting of multi-family buildings and single-family houses, which will integrate naturally with the existing urban structure. The key idea of the concept is to maintain a balance between the new development and the surrounding greenery. This will make the space friendly to residents/residents and adaptable to the diverse needs of users/users.
cross-section A-A, cross-section B-B
© Wiktor Sawoch, Sebastian Kawalec
architecture corresponding to the character of the city
The project involves a transition between multifamily and single-family housing. The tallest buildings, with six stories, will appear along Pilsudski Avenue, while in the northern direction the height gradually decreases to two stories and single-family houses. Such a solution means that the new development will naturally fit in with the existing surroundings.
axonometries
© Wiktor Sawoch, Sebastian Kawalec
Not only the height of the buildings, but also their form and materials have been carefully selected. The north is dominated by traditional buildings with gabled roofs, while in the south flat roofs have been used, referring to the character of multi-family buildings in Legnica. The facades of the buildings are covered with natural materials - wood and clay plaster. This gives the estate a warm and friendly character, while at the same time blending into the multifaceted architecture of the city, which combines elements of different urban eras.
view of the building from the park
© Wiktor Sawoch, Sebastian Kawalec
sustainable development and care for the environment
The green axis running through the center of the estate serves as a woonerf, or pedestrian and road space, where pedestrians and cyclists have priority. Along this axis, recreational areas, playgrounds, fountains and elements of small architecture have been arranged to promote the integration of residents/residents.
view of the green axis with first floor services
© Wiktor Sawoch, Sebastian Kawalec
An important element of the project is the uncovering of a watercourse that was previously underground. Making it accessible again will allow the creation of an open vegetation and retention path, which will not only improve the aesthetics of the space, but also increase its biodiversity. The water will become a natural element of the landscape, attracting birds and small fauna.
To take care of wildlife conservation, numerous facilities for animals have been planned, including nesting boxes, feeders, apiaries and green zones acting as habitats for hedgehogs and squirrels. In addition, the use of green roofs and photovoltaic panels will reduce the buildings' energy demand, which is in line with the idea of sustainable construction.
view of the cultural center
© Wiktor Sawoch, Sebastian Kawalec
modern infrastructure and security
The estate has been designed with easy communication and safety in mind. New internal roads will provide smooth access to Piłsudskiego Avenue, and there will be underground garages under the multifamily buildings. In addition, numerous above-ground parking spaces have been designated, covered with permeable paving to absorb rainwater.
To ensure the safety of pedestrians, street narrowing islands and special zones marked with paving stones have been designed to prompt drivers to reduce their speed. This will allow residents to move freely around the estate, while car traffic will be reduced.
A view of the space between the buildings with the playground
© Wiktor Sawoch, Sebastian Kawalec
The work of Wiktor Sawoch and Sebastian Kawalec is a modern response to Legnica's urban planning challenges. The awarded project combines functionality, aesthetics and care for the environment, creating a residential area that is resident-friendly and in line with the idea of a modern city. It is a vision of a place where history and the future intertwine into a harmonious whole, offering a new quality of life in Legnica.
We published the full results of the competition on our portal.
