The historic building of the former "Światowid" cinema in Nowa Huta is an object of great cultural and historical significance. A team of young architects and architects, as well as urban planners and urban planners from Krakow universities: Paulina Bednarz, Julia Bethoon, Oliwia Golba, Davide Bianco, Weronika Owsiany, Weronika Merek, Julia Piotrowska, Weronika Hyjek, Ewa Siuda, Maciej Piekarski, Polina Pavkina and Kacper Jurkowski decided to create a project to transform the building as part of the interdisciplinary workshop "New Space" organized by the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, the Faculty of Geography and Spatial Management of the JagiellonianUniversity, the Institute of Sociology of the JagiellonianUniversity, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics of the AGHUniversity ofScience and Technologyin Krakow, the Interdisciplinary Faculty ofthe SWPS Universityin Krakow and the Municipality of Krakow.
location
© Paulina Bednarz, Julia Bethoon, Oliwia Golba, Davide Bianco, Weronika Owsiany, Weronika Merek, Julia Piotrowska, Weronika Hyjek, Ewa Siuda, Maciej Piekarski, Polina Pavkina and Kacper Jurkowski
"New Space"
The 16th edition of New Space is an interdisciplinary workshop during which teams of experts, students from four Krakow universities - the Academy of Fine Arts (Interior Design Department), Jagiellonian University (Institute of Sociology and Institute of Geography and Spatial Management), AGH University of Science and Technology (Department of Mechanics and Vibroacoustics) and SWPS University (Interdisciplinary Department) - worked on projects for selected areas of Krakow based on the idea of resilient spaces.
The workshop formula combines interdisciplinary cooperation of faculty and students with learning diverse research and design methods, while developing the ability to solve complex socio-spatial problems. Properly designed public spaces not only enhance the quality of life in the city, but also strengthen social relations and the psycho-physical resilience of residents/urbanites, increasing the community's ability to cope with challenges.
projections and cross-section
© Paulina Bednarz, Julia Bethoon, Oliwia Golba, Davide Bianco, Weronika Owsiany, Weronika Merek, Julia Piotrowska, Weronika Hyjek, Ewa Siuda, Maciej Piekarski, Polina Pavkina and Kacper Jurkowski
History and significance of "Światowid" cinema
The "Światowid" cinema is one of the most characteristic buildings in Nowa Huta, listed in the register of monuments and under the protection of the Nowa Huta Cultural Park. It was built as part of the socialist realist vision of an ideal city, serving as the cultural center of the district. Today, the building, while still holding great potential, no longer serves its original function. Although Nowa Huta has undergone many changes over the years, it still faces social and urban problems, so it is important that places of great historical and cultural significance can become an active part of the city again.
community garden on the terrace
© Paulina Bednarz, Julia Bethoon, Oliwia Golba, Davide Bianco, Weronika Owsiany, Weronika Merek, Julia Piotrowska, Weronika Hyjek, Ewa Siuda, Maciej Piekarski, Polina Pavkina and Kacper Jurkowski
N.O.¶ concept. - symbolism and idea
The New Faces of Swiatowid project is a well-thought-out concept based on the name of the former cinema, referring to the Slavic deity Swiatowid. He was a symbol of duality - war and fertility, death and rebirth. These opposing aspects form the basis for the building's new function. N.O.Ś. combines the symbolism of the past with modern solutions, reflecting the history of Nowa Huta and the changes it has undergone over the decades. The contrast between light and dark spaces, openness and closure, past and future is reflected in the building's architecture and functions.
new function of the building
The revitalization of "Światowid" involves creating a space open to residents/residents and a variety of social and artistic initiatives. The first floor and second floor are to serve as places for meetings, exchange of ideas and co-creation of culture. The space will include a foyer, a cinema room transformed into a multifunctional exhibition and workshop room, as well as spaces supporting social initiatives, such as the Nowa Huta Archive, where residents will be able to document the history of the district.
foyer
© Paulina Bednarz, Julia Bethoon, Oliwia Golba, Davide Bianco, Weronika Owsiany, Weronika Merek, Julia Piotrowska, Weronika Hyjek, Ewa Siuda, Maciej Piekarski, Polina Pavkina and Kacper Jurkowski
The underground will house exhibitions alluding to the darker pages of Nowa Huta's history, including reconstructed anti-aircraft shelters that will remind visitors of the Cold War era and the military role of this part of Krakow. The layout and aesthetics of the underground spaces are intended to evoke feelings of loneliness and anxiety, prompting reflection on history and social change.
public space around the building
An integral part of the project is also the development of the area around the former cinema. The square in front of the building is to become an interactive public space. Among its main attractions will be multimedia fountains that will display archival images and films depicting the history of the district. The use of blue-green infrastructure, such as rainwater tanks and numerous green areas, will not only improve the aesthetics of the site, but also increase its resilience to climate change.
A terrace with a community garden and a café are planned on the building's roof to provide a relaxing and meeting space. This type of solution promotes the integration of residents and supports environmentally friendly activities.
time machine
© Paulina Bednarz, Julia Bethoon, Oliwia Golba, Davide Bianco, Weronika Owsiany, Weronika Merek, Julia Piotrowska, Weronika Hyjek, Ewa Siuda, Maciej Piekarski, Polina Pavkina and Kacper Jurkowski
acoustics and multimedia technologies
One of the important aspects of the project is to improve the acoustic conditions of the former cinema hall, which in its new form will be used as an exhibition and multimedia space. The use of suitable materials will optimize sound, which will have a positive impact on visitors' comfort. Modern installations are also planned, such as the immersive "WIR" circular cinema, holograms telling the history of Nowa Huta, and interactive information panels that will allow visitors/visitors to discover the district's history on their own.
features
© Paulina Bednarz, Julia Bethoon, Oliwia Golba, Davide Bianco, Weronika Owsiany, Weronika Merek, Julia Piotrowska, Weronika Hyjek, Ewa Siuda, Maciej Piekarski, Polina Pavkina and Kacper Jurkowski
New life for Swiatowid
The N.O.Ś project is not only a revitalization of a historic building, but first and foremost an attempt to reintegrate it into the life of the Nowa Huta community. Opening up to residents/residents and visitors, the space will become a place for meetings, education and reflection on the past and future of the district. New Faces of Swiatowid is a symbol of transformation and adaptation that fits into the broader context of revitalizing Nowa Huta as a dynamic and open part of Krakow.