Plac Pięciu Rogów is commonly referred to as the Warsaw intersection at the intersection of Chmielna, Zgoda, Szpitalna and Bracka streets. The concept for the development of the downtown space was prepared by architects from the Warsaw studio WXCA, together with Michal Kempinski and Kacper Ludwiczak.
According to the project, the intersection in Warsaw's Downtown will turn into a wide square with trees, modern small architecture and a fountain to encourage passersby to relax.
© WXCA
Thepublic space should remain an open form, allowing for multiple interpretations, allowing for a variety of events, both planned and spontaneous, stresses Michal Kempinski, co-author of the project.
Currently, the intersection is a place where pedestrian traffic definitely loses out to the dominant automobile traffic. According to the idea of the Warsaw City Roads Authority, the main traffic idea for this space is to introduce a so-called residential zone, which will give priority to pedestrians and limit the speed of cars to 20 km/h. The residential zone will allow access to properties, the movement of cyclists and the few buses that today travel south-north along Krucza and Szpitalna streets. The analysis shows that car traffic will spread evenly on the surrounding streets.
The project envisages the introduction of trees between dense quarters of buildings. The main planting strips will be created along Bracka and Szpitalna Streets, which is to refer to the oldest fragments of Warsaw's urban layout, while the remaining trees will thicken the square.
We want to create a special space where people will feel good," says Piotr Łosek of the WXCA studio. - It will be a kind of "reclaimed land" for Warsaw. Newly planted trees providing shade, a fountain, numerous seats, illumination of the square - all this will create a prestigious public space, adds Pawel Grodzicki of WXCA.
© WXCA
A distinctive element of the square will be special fiber-reinforced concrete floor slabs, designed in terrazzo-like technology, with aggregate referring to the colors and traditional materials present in the capital's urban space.
Preparations for the reconstruction of the square began with public consultations and an architectural competition, which helped identify the most important assumptions of the future investment. After the construction documentation has been prepared, arrangements have been made with the Provincial Conservator of Monuments and the Warsaw Council has granted funds for the work, the City Roads Administration has the green light to announce a tender for construction work. If everything goes according to plan, work will begin later this year, and the reconstruction will be completed next year. The realization of the Square of Five Corners is part of a broader process of revitalizing public spaces in Downtown Warsaw.
