Paula Suminska, a graduate of the Faculty of Construction and Architecture at Opole University of Technology, has designed a hostel and tourist service point in Krakow. The modular building uses the space under the flyover and was made under the direction of Dr. Marcin Galkowski.
The author of the project wanted to draw attention to underutilized urban spaces under flyovers. Surveying the Krakow area, she noted that they occupy about three square kilometers. Sometimes these surfaces are used for parking lots, but most often they are unused areas.
Hexagonal modules are placed under the flyover
© Paula Suminska
Hostel under the flyover in the center of Krakow
In one such space, Paula Suminska designed a hostel and information point. The flyover is located in the northern part of Krakow on November 29 Avenue. It is in the direct vicinity of the Krakow University of Technology and the bus and train stations. The idea of the Opole University of Technology graduate was to create a building that is modular, versatile and allows for development at later stages of the project. As a result, the building will also be able to be built in other, previously unused spaces.
The facility is located in the center of Krakow
© Paula Suminska
Hexagonal, universal modules
The project involves the creation of a hostel based on a repetitive, hexagonal module described by a circle with a diameter of 2.19 meters. This type of solution allows to speed up and optimize the production process of individual components. The facility consists of horizontal modules of 6.5 and 7.2 meters in length. These dimensions made it possible to provide the necessary floor space for a room of eight people, as well as a functional layout for toilets and showers. Vertical modules were designed in height variants ranging from 5 to 8.6 meters.
The facility consists of horizontal and vertical modules
© Paula Suminska
This allows them to be placed under flyovers of different heights, as well as to create varied spatial forms of the facility. Ready-made modules with a simple interconnection system contain most of the necessary functions. They are equipped with sanitary and electrical installations, which significantly affects the construction time of the facility. The use of interconnecting elements that allow the installation of further horizontal and vertical modules at any stage of the project makes it possible to expand the facility with the growing demand for the services offered.
