A green island with alleys and benches, full of trees and shrubs. Such is the Wilson Square of Żoliborz in the revitalization vision presented by the City Is Ours Association. The central space of the district would be given a more pedestrian-, bicycle- and public transport-passenger-friendly form.
The center of Żoliborz
Photo: MJN
Wilson Square is the functional center of Warsaw's popular district. Modernist architecture from under the WSM mark collides here with post-war developments, socialist realism and the park-like surroundings of the Sokolnicki Fort with its popular Prochownia. It is surrounded by many popular restaurants and bars, stores and the Vistula cinema studio. Nevertheless, the square itself is dominated by its transportation function. Public space has given way to a concrete thoroughfare connecting Bielany and Wislostrada with the center.
stitching up the city
Photo: MJN
The basis of the concept presented by the City Is Ours was a radical change in traffic organization. The elimination of a single carriageway and the transfer of vehicular traffic to one side of the square is intended to widen publicly accessible green areas and give residents access to the square's central space. The free passage will significantly shorten pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and the freed space will be home to shade-giving trees.
We would like the heart of our district to beat again for people - residents and all those who enjoy visiting the intimate corner of Warsaw that is Żoliborz. It is time to regain the old charm of Wilson Square, consistent with the picturesque green streets of our district, the park and its surroundings.
Marta Szczepanska, MJN councilor in Zoliborz
new functions
Photo: MJN
The expanded square will allow food gardens to appear without compromising pedestrian space. Currently, they are separated from sidewalks, which significantly hinders movement around the square. Bicycle infrastructure is to appear in all directions and will connect existing routes.
most important greenery
Photo: MJN
The project prepared by Agata Garstecka and Jacek Gęborys, however, puts greenery first. The reclaimed space is to be planted densely with maple trees, a reference to the neighboring Invalid Square. Extensive lawns and shrubs are also planned, and their variety is to functionally separate mini-squares creating more intimate spaces within the square.
