In Cieszyn, located on the border with the Czech Republic, architects from the RS+ Robert Skitek studio have designed a unique space on the banks of the Olza River - the Open Air Museum.
The museum, which recounts important events related to the history of the divided city, was located on the border of two countries, on the banks of the Olza River. The architects' task was to create a public space attractive to both residents and tourists, as well as to design elements of an exhibition telling the history of the border town.
The designers had at their disposal only a narrow, wooded and neglected strip of land on the steep bank of the Olza River. The architects made the pedestrian and bicycleroute more attractive through varied greenery, and placed wooden benches between the existing trees. On the river bank they located the characteristic "Wheels of Time" - seven wooden, covered seats, which, when illuminated, attract the attention of residents walking on both sides of the river and convey information about important events in the city's history.
Wheels of Time
© RS+ Robert Skitek
The modern elements of small architecture, as intended by the project's authors, are meant to be an inviting call to those strolling on the other side of the border river: "hey, here we are, it's worth coming here, we warmly invite you to visit us."
We also recommend Małgorzata Tomczak's conversation with Robert Skitek on the studio's other realization - a promenade and water playground on Lake Paprocany in Tychy.
