A consortium of studios mamArchitekci from Warsaw and A2P2 architecture & planning from Gdansk has developed a concept for the redevelopment of Lodz's Liberty Square. How will this place change? See for yourself!
The central square, delineated in the 19th century as the market square of the New Town and the beginning of Trakt Piotrowski, connects Piotrkowska, Nowomiejska, Legionów and Pomorska streets. Over the years, both the buildings on the frontage of the square and the dominant functions have changed. What has remained unchanged, however, is the unique shape of the regular octagon, in the center of which, since 1930, stands a monument to Tadeusz Kosciuszko.
Freedom Square in Lodz, 2003
photo: Konrad Kłoszewski | Wikimedia Commons © CC BY 2.5
Liberty Square in its present layout serves primarily a transit function for vehicular traffic. However, it has great potential as an attractive public space conducive to developing and enhancing the primary function of urban spaces: meetings. Therefore, a change in the organization of traffic is proposed - moving transit traffic, vehicular and rail, to the northern part of the square, and dedicating the central and southern parts to pedestrian and bicycle traffic, with occasional access for deliveries and city services, the authors of the concept for the reconstruction of the square write.
plan of the square
© mamArchitekci, A2P2 architecture & planning
The regular shape of Freedom Square will be emphasized through the composition of greenery, paved surfaces, the layout of small architecture elements and radial axes of symmetry. The visibility of the most important objects of the square and the view axes from the four streets to the Kosciuszko monument will be preserved.
Wanting to combine various functions in one space, the authors of the project proposed separating several zones: a wooded, recreational park zone, a representative, urban central zone separated from communication by a green belt, pedestrian and roadways running along the square, a cafe garden zone and a streetcar stop zone.
cross-section of the square
© mamArchitekci, A2P2 architecture & planning
The biggest change from the existing state, however, will be the introduction of a large amount of biologically active areas and greenery. The problem of urban heat islands affects Lodz to a large extent - in the summer the heat is bad wherever there is a lack of greenery. That's why the square will have greenery, lawns and shrubs, as well as sixty-two trees - according to the city's standards, nearly eight meters tall at once. Greenery will occupy about 20 percent of the entire area of Liberty Square, allowing rainwater retention , the project's authors add.
Visualization of the reconstruction of Liberty Square
© mamArchitekci, A2P2 architecture & planning
Work on the square's reconstruction project will last until March next year, with the project scheduled for completion in spring 2023.
