to live more pleasantly
The key to realizing the best designs is to put the user, his needs and feelings at the center of the design work. The idea is to create objects and places where residents and visitors will simply want to stay. Such a holistic approach is also particularly important in revitalization processes. It can be crucial when it comes to heavily degraded areas, to which life needs to be reintroduced, after many years.
Working on the master plan for the Imperial Shipyard, a project to revitalize sixteen hectares of post-shipyard land in Gdansk, architects from the Henning Larsen studio, together with the BBGK and A2P2 studios, faced an unusual challenge. The idea was to design an urban district that meets modern needs on a site whose original function was completely different. In addition, it is filled with history and historic buildings. Preserving the spirit, the atmosphere of the place was the starting point for the designers. Especially since the emotional connection of Danzigers and Poles to the history of the area is enormous.
Imperial Shipyard, designed by Henning Larsen, BBGK Architects, A2P2
It was very important to ensure the human scale of the project. The idea was that the new development should harmonize with the old, not disturb the atmosphere of the place and not undermine the stature of the former shipyard halls. The siting of the new and old buildings was planned to make the public space as comfortable as possible and to provide as much natural light as possible - another factor that will allow one to feel simply comfortable in the district.
The materials, the scale of the buildings, undercuts, forebays - everything new will relate to what is already around, says lead architect Mateusz Mastalski of Henning Larsen studio. - We are learning from the shipyard. Not only from the buildings, but also from the unique scale and atmosphere of the space in between. We want to emphasize the remaining shipyard relics that create the character of the place, but at the same time give it a new meaning. There must be a dialogue between the old and the new," he adds.
One of the novelties and probably the most visited area of the district will be the waterfront promenade, with service and food outlets, rest areas and greenery. Anyway, public spaces and green areas will occupy as much as 32 percent ofthe Imperial Yard. The greenery that will appear in large quantities in this post-industrial area, as well as the high quality of spatial planning, is expected to influence the high level of comfort in the spaces of the Imperial Yard and the pleasure of communing with the internationally unique quality of architecture.
Another development in a similar vein is also under construction on the edge of Gdansk's Young City. Chlebova Apartments, being developed by NDI Development, is an example of a well-thought-out revitalization concept. The building is being constructed on the site of Germania Brotfabrik - the first industrial bread factory in northern Poland, which operated here continuously from 1905 until the end of World War II. Its design has been well received by city activists and architects, thanks to the successful combination of the building's modern character and the natural, classic materials that will fill the facade.
Chlebova Apartments and Square, proj.: Roark Studio
A new urban, public square will be built adjacent to Chlebova, which will make a strong contribution to the city-forming functions in the area.
Chlebova Square will be characterized by friendly proportions, which is of considerable importance in the perception of public space, comments Jakub Bladowski, president of Roark Studio, the architectural firm responsible for the project. - In addition, we plan to use recreational greenery and small architecture, the use of which is to be flexible. The idea is that it is the users of the space who will give it character, so that the equipment and development of the square will be, in a way, a background and stage for the life happening there, he adds.
We are also planning elements that will attract tourists and interest residents. Those that will look good in photos or on social media. Whether we like it or not, such trends in the design of public spaces are increasingly present in the world, so we are also trying to follow them," explains Jakub Bladowski.
