A {tag:studenci} from the Faculty of Interior Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow took up the topic of transforming and improving the railway station in Kielce. The student proposed the use of vacant buildings, the introduction of recreational functions, and focused on making communication smoother and adapting the building to the needs of people with disabilities.
The project titled Transfer Facility - Architecture of Travel was developed as a master's thesis in the 4th Interior Design Studio, at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, under the supervision of Prof. Beata Gibała-Kapecka and Kai Czajczyk.
This space became proof for me that ugly inspires! Motivated by curiosity, I undertook the development of a relatively large premise, which I worked on with undisguised satisfaction," says Aleksandra Mędrecka.
The waiting room in the main hall of the train station
© Aleksandra Mędrecka
transfer of people, culture and life
The author wanted the idea of the project to heighten the impression of movement, energy and its flow. She began her work with an extensive survey and analysis of the area around the Kielce train station.
The primary factor here, was to be the presence of humans, and the culture they create and smuggle into more areas of everyday life. By allowing users inside the station, we give it new life. To me, the definition of transfer also refers to moving users from a bland space, to a specific, interesting place, in this case the designed interior, where people like to stay," explains the designer.
The designer wanted to create user-friendly spaces
© Aleksandra Mędrecka
The most important design consideration, was to improve the organization of traveler traffic. Delineating new routes, adding elevators and stairs, was justified by the results of the analysis. The author unified the floor level, and the partial demolition of the walls separating the wings from the central part of the station, made it possible to introduce a communication axis along the entire building.
The author focused on improving the communication of Kielce's railway station
© Aleksandra Mędrecka
open station
The original entrance on the track side, opposite the main entrance, was uncovered. In this way, the author opened the building to all four sides of the world and formally connected the station with the city. The staircase was turned perpendicular to the longer façade and continues the full height of the building. The central part is occupied by a kinetic installation, while a café and waiting room are located on its sides. In the wings of the station travelers will find ticket offices and an information desk. Such a layout of the various functions facilitates orientation in space.
Kinetic sculpture symbolizes movement
© Aleksandra Mędrecka
kinetic sculpture
The main design change on the second floor consisted of directly connecting the middle section of the building with the wings, as well as removing one level within the wings. This resulted in the expansion of the public space, as well as the setting aside of space for the retail and catering functions. A restaurant overlooking the city was located here. But the most striking change was the filling of the mezzanine opening with a glowing glass floor. In its center, the architect designed a circular opening through which she passed elements of a kinetic sculpture. The installation, which symbolizes movement, consists of chrome balls that reach all the way down to the first floor level.
A café connected to a store
© Aleksandra Mędrecka
disenchanting the old image
The main stylistic idea that guided the designer was to disenchant the old image of Kielce's train station, and the placement of finishing materials had a special, ideological significance.
To modernize, make it shiny and fresh on every level! - emphasizes Aleksandra
The floor, as well as the vertical planes on the first floor, was made of concrete, and an illuminated strip of polished steel runs along the building, highlighting the main communication route. The ceiling, also covered with polished steel, reflects light, illuminating the space. This effect is enhanced by the introduced linear lighting. In the waiting area, on the second floor, the designer introduced a steel floor, which is a continuation of the ceiling on the first floor. The structural columns supporting the glazed facade also received a reflective cladding.
gallery in the arcade
© Aleksandra Mędrecka
The ceiling of the main part of the station was restored to its original convex shape and covered with a cladding of wooden panels. The gallery, with its glowing floor, has been separated by steel-framed glass screens. The bistro is a cozy space, where the floor and wall coverings imitate wood, and the fronts of the cabinets are decorated with a print with a photo of the station from years past. Individual stores in the arcade, have been separated by modular, minimalist glass walls. Ubiquitous steel reinforces the feeling of depth, while wood-like floors warm up the interior.
Read also about the design of the Jododajnia in Dworc Stary in Katowice designed by Kseniya Makala.
