{tag:studenci}, a student of interior design at the Magdalena Abakanowicz University of Arts in Poznań, decided to create a multifunctional space for young people, where they could freely stay, but also create it themselves. She chose the modernist building of Plock's Dom Turysty PTTK as the site of her project. The whole project was designed to fit into the bold and unusual style of the building, and the interior forms correspond to the body of the building. The author, due to the vicinity of the high school, also proposed to create a dormitory for students.
Plocki Dom Turysty PTTK, designed by architect Marek Leykam, currently functions as a hotel. The new investor has interfered so much with the modernist architecture of the building that it no longer resembles the original. Magdalena's bachelor's degree, done under the supervision of Natalia Kliśko-Walczak, PhD, refers to the state before the reconstruction of the Tourist House and addresses several issues.
PTTK Tourist House in Plock was designed by Marek Leykam,
archive photo from 1963
Photo: Marek Holzman © Wikimedia
space for young people
My project largely responds to the problem of the lack of places intended for young people. It is about such places within the public space where young people can simply hang out, meet with each other, engage in various activities that are not imposed on them. The key here is the lack of imposition of specific activities - I wanted to create a flexible space that can be modified and acted upon. If we are in a movie theater, a school corridor, a cafe or a park - a given space is shaped for a specific purpose, or does not always provide us with full comfort, such as shelter from the weather. The youth center I presented would be completely open for many different activities - socializing, working in groups, creating workshops, providing comfort and safety for users, says Magdalena.
On the first floor of the building are the spaces of the youth center
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
The described spaces were proposed by the author on the first floor of the building, so that it is easily accessible to everyone. She placed specially designed elements in the rooms , which can be rearranged and modified in various ways to adapt the space to the needs of a particular group.
plans and sections of the building
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
reference to modernism
The modernist building designed by Marek Leykam inspired me with its bold - for the times in which it was built - form. It is intriguing and controversial. I decided to continue the dynamic lines and give the interior an unusual look. The forms themselves are varied and dynamic, and contrasted by the colors and selected materials," the author adds.
In the interiors, the main material used is natural cork and ecological concrete. Also characteristic are forms made of material made of recycled plastic. During the selection of materials, the author was guided by concern for the environment, and her goal was also to create a neutral, calm background for young people's activities, which will not intensify overexcitement.
Natural cork and architectural concrete are the main materials used in the project
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
The design premise Magdalena followed was the flexibility of the interiors, giving a sense of freedom and unleashing creativity. The student designed seats, table tops, mobile poufs - everything can be arranged in any way. In the spaces you will not find typical chairs or tables, so young people can adapt the existing forms at their own discretion.
The entire floor of the PTTK building protrudes beyond the outline of the first floor, creating arcades and terraces
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
dormitory for high school students
Analyzing the spatial context of the PTTK Tourist House, the author also decided to create a dormitory for young people from a nearby high school. The building itself had hotel functions, so its layout was to some extent adapted to accommodate many people. The proposed dormitory occupies an entire floor of the building, while allowing tenants easy access to the youth center. The double rooms, along with a bathroom, continue the first floor aesthetic, but here the functions are different. An important consideration in designing the rooms was to maintain an appropriate balance between the amount of common space and a sense of privacy.
The author designed unusual forms of beds and a desk extending across the width of the window
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
author's furniture
As the author says, the forms of the beds refer to the bevels used by Leykam in the supports of the building. The beds are beveled from the top so as not to shade the interior, while providing a bit of privacy for the occupants. Important in terms of design was to fit multiple functions into a small space - storage space and a small bookcase are located under the bed.
Each room is equipped with a closet with a large mirror and an en suite bathroom
© Magdalena Anzorge-Kurkowska
The entire first floor of the PTTK building extends beyond the outline of the first floor, creating arcades and terraces. The entire building is largely glazed, opening the interiors to the surrounding landscape. Users not only have a beautiful view, but also plenty of daylight in the interiors. Hence Magdalena came up with the idea of a desk that spans the entire window space, stabilized by supports connecting it to the ceiling. The large supply of natural light makes it easier to work and study. In the depth of the room there is a large closet, an area with a mirror and shoe cabinet, and a bathroom.
I tried to ensure that the entire facility, despite serving multiple functions, had a coherent, but also intriguing and innovative design," the author concludes.
