Traffic calming, more greenery and places to meet and relax. This is how the character of as many as three squares in Warsaw - Teatralny, Bankowy and Żelazna Brama - is to change in the future. The Warsaw magistrate presented a concept for the first of them.
new life in the center of the capital
The Warsaw City Hall has presented a concept for Bankowy Square, which is to be part of the #Warszawa2030 municipal development strategy and the "New Center of Warsaw" project . The project was developed by the Mau Mycielski Architecture&Urbanism studio.
The creation of the project was preceded by public consultations, also conducted by the same studio. Consultation activities included a research walk, meetings at a mobile consultation point, online surveys or charrette workshops. It was also important to take into account preservationist recommendations.
The "New Center of Warsaw" project also involves the redevelopment of three squares, including the space whose design has been presented
© UM Warszawa | Mau Mycielski Architecture&Urbanism.
what will change?
The space of Bank Square has needed a far-reaching metamorphosis for many years. The closest area, next to which the mayor of Warsaw is in office, served as a parking lot. Traffic organization has been developed in two variants. One of the elements of the space change is the introduction of a traffic calming zone to a speed of tempo 30. The street will also be calmed down by the introduction of a bus and bicycle contra-lane.
functional and spatial concept
© UM Warszawa | Mau Mycielski Architecture&Urbanism.
One of the main goals of the concept is to introduce more biologically active space. These include unsealing as much land as possible, planting new trees, increasing rainwater interception or using green tracks.
More green space is also expected to encourage recreational functions, which for many years have been used only for parking spaces. One of its elements is the introduction of a plaza with a fountain. Part of the plaza locates space for food services, as well as space for cultural events. An important element of the project is also the unification of solutions used in paving and small architecture.
As part of the development of the concept, the authors also proposed a phasing scheme for the investment. The implementation was divided into four stages. The first concerns the metamorphosis of the main part of the square and the square in the course of Senatorska and Elektoralna streets. The next stage is for the reconstruction of Marszałkowska Street at Bank Square. The third stage is for the reconstruction of the tracks with the intersection with Solidarności Avenue and Anders Street. The last stage is the realization of two squares: in front of the Blue Skyscraper and along the eastern frontage.
bird's eye view axonometric visualization
© UM Warsaw | Mau Mycielski Architecture&Urbanism.
known costs, unknown start time
The developed concept includes a cost estimate broken down into four branches. The total cost of the investment is more than 169 million zlotys. Taking into account the phasing process, the costs will be spread over a longer implementation period. Neither the date for the start of the work nor the planned period for its completion is known - it could be several years as in the case of Five Corners Square.
Thedirection has been taken - the immediate surroundings of such an important space in Warsaw should undergo an absolute metamorphosis, which the place has been asking for for years. It's a pity that it is still unknown when it will happen.
High and low greenery is to be introduced into the Bankowy Square space
© UM Warszawa | Mau Mycielski Architecture&Urbanism.
