Client
University of Warsaw
Location
Warsaw
Area
32 500 m2
Team
GWPA:
Łukasz Gąska
Mirosław Wojcieszak
Kornel Kuzański
Teresa Bączkiewicz
Kasia Woźniak
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PA1997:
Krzysztof Frąckowiak
Aleksandra Kornecka
Rafał Hodyra
Magda Lelonkiewicz
Status
1. Prize, Conception
Shaping and organizing academic space is an engaging task, especially in the case of a campus located in the city center. On the one hand, its openness and public accessibility are important; on the other, it should foster an atmosphere conducive to creative work, research, and learning.
The Central Campus of the University of Warsaw has become part of the city’s fabric and naturally enriches the public space. It occupies a prestigious location with a historically shaped spatial layout, the preservation and clarification of which is the primary goal of the concept. Above all, we aim to do no harm—we see no need or place for spectacular gestures. Design interventions are intended to be as unobtrusive as possible.
The project respects the main historical sightlines, reveals new ones—such as the view of the upper courtyard—preserves the composition of the circulation system with the historic form of the Central Square, and fully protects the existing greenery.
The proposed educational paths—historical and natural—make it possible to explore existing sites connected with the history of the University of Warsaw, the history of its buildings, and notable tree specimens; to visit exhibitions available in some buildings and in the proposed extension of the Kazimierzowski Palace cellars; as well as to relax and study in the park space.
