We know the winners of the competition to develop an architectural and urban design concept for Wiosny Ludów Square and Szkolna Street in Poznań. The winning projects will become the basis for further planning work and will help develop this important urban space.
The competition, announced in October 2019 by the Department of Urban Planning and Architecture of the Poznań City Hall, was aimed at architecture students. The projects were to refer to the historical development of the square and propose original urban greenery. Seventy-one works were submitted to the competition, out of which five winning concepts were selected. In evaluating them, the members of the competition's jury took into account adaptation to the surroundings, consideration of rainwater management issues, and the efficiency and legibility of communication solutions. An important aspect was the originality and functionality of solutions, an innovative approach to shaping greenery and breaking patterns. The jury decided to award two first-degree distinctions and three second-degree distinctions.
two first-degree distinctions
design by Aleksandra Biernacka and Joanna Lipnicka (UAP)
The concept presented by the students of the University of Arts in Poznań introduces numerous changes. One of the most important is the abandonment of car traffic between Strzelecka and Podgórna streets, as well as the removal of cobblestones from part of the streetcar route and the planting of grass in its place. The students also designed two service buildings with facades finished in brick ceramics and an underground parking lot. The corner of Kupiec Poznański has been supplemented with an infill with food and beverage establishments. Color-wise, the development is in keeping with the neighboring buildings. Two squares with surfaces made of mineral aggregate have also been created - an intimate square at Wysoka and Szymanski Streets and the main square opposite Kupiec Poznański. The landscaping project is complemented by islands of greenery, around which seats and bicycle racks have been arranged. The students also call for a 20 km/h speed limit along the entire length of Szkolna Street and the introduction of a unified pavement.
The honorable mention was awarded for the holistic approach to the topic, taking into account most of the indicated guidelines, including the requirements of the draft local development plan. The judges noted the prioritization of pedestrian routes and the comprehensive shaping of greenery, providing for the preservation of trees growing on the side of the High Street with their skillful connection to the scenic axis. They also appreciated the solutions taking into account rainwater management and the aesthetic value of the project. The honorable mention also went to the architects for the feasibility of the proposed solutions, justifies the competition jury.
Project by Kamil Ziolkowski and Seweryn Trzyna (UAP)
Another awarded project, also belongs to students of the University of Arts in Poznań. The authors closed car traffic within the entire Wiosny Ludów Square, leveled the floor, and extended the promenade from Półwiejska Street, connecting it with Szkolna Street. The students also introduced a shopping arcade and designed a square. Their concept is to use existing trees once the space is supplemented with new plantings. An important element of the design is retention - the authors placed a basin for rainwater in the square. The edges of the basin are crowned with long wooden benches, allowing residents to relax in the shade of the trees. In addition, due to the large dimensions of the designed building, the rest of the rainwater would be stored in an underground tank.
The work was recognized for its comprehensive approach to the development area of the square along with the neighborhood, meeting most of the guidelines of the regulations. The jurors paid special attention to the introduction of tall greenery into the project and its skillful shaping
as well as the aesthetic value of the indicated urban and architectural solutions. Their attention also did not escape the boldness in shaping the development of the quarter in the existing historical fabric of the city. One of the criteria of the competition was the feasibility of the developed solutions, justifies the jury.
three second-degree honorable mentions
design by Joanna Piasecka and Tomasz Bekas (UAP)
The authors were appreciated for their solutions introducing greenery in the competition area and for their consideration of the problem of water management in the city. The jurors also appreciated sensitivity to the transportation needs of pedestrians.
Project by Magdalena Karpinska and Magdalena Storozhenko (Warsaw University of Technology)
The Warsaw University of Technology students' project was recognized for its interesting design solutions, in which a sizable
percent of the land development was allocated for greenery. The jury appreciated the appropriate capture of the proportions of the urban interior in connection with the scenic axis on the extension of Wysoka Street and leaving undeveloped the area where trees currently grow.
Project by Patrycja Krupa, Marek Martynowicz, Zuzanna Trzcińska (Warsaw University of Technology)
The award was given, as we read in the jury's justification, for the aesthetic sensitivity and interesting graphic approach of the presented boards. The special approach to the design of Szkolna Street was appreciated. The judges noted the original solutions of the public space, including the creation of a common area with an intimate character, not easy to achieve in this part of the city.
Diplomas were presented to the winners by Bartosz Guss, deputy mayor of Poznań, and Magdalena Michalska, a representative of Orpea, the founder of the competition prizes. Congratulations!
All the submitted works can be seen in an exhibition in the East Hall of the Poznań International Fair until March 2020.
compiled by: {tag:AuthorAiB}
illustrations courtesy of the competition organizer
