Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture"
The aim of the diploma work was to adapt ecological methods of building with pure rammed earth to Polish realities and to create an architectural complex simple in form and function, qualifying entirely as a natural object. The project attempts to incorporate nature, which is governed by its own laws, into the urbanized urban fabric. Thanks to the technology used, the complex functions in accordance with the natural life cycle — it operates for a certain period of time and then undergoes the process of decay, without generating waste alien to the location.
Visualization of the first time study, 2022; the facility is available to users immediately after construction
© Aleksandra Więcław
visualization of the second time study, year 2712; facility available for technicians to remove non-biodegradable elements
© Aleksandra Więcław
Significantly, the thesis does not focus on the facility at the moment it is put into use, but envisions the entire process of its operation until it degrades and gives the plot back to nature. The spatial intention is thus an architectural action that protects a piece of wild nature in the city. The social intention, on the other hand, is to sensitize people to the essence of nature, which has a positive impact on their health. The facility has a social function (therapeutic and relaxation), and its structure consists of an open area (for people) and a closed area (for nature).
Visualization of the third time study, year 2222; facility inaccessible to users, undergoing biodegradation
© Aleksandra Więcław
visualization of the fourth time study, year 2322; facility returns to nature
© Aleksandra Więcław
The complex was located in Warsaw at Jasminowa Street, near the escarpment and Wilanowska subway station. The site currently serves as an enclave of wildness in the city, providing a refuge for nature and man at the same time. One of the main objectives of the project was to establish nature in general as an equivalent human user of the site. Relative to nature, the complex is a kind of reserve.
site development plan
© Aleksandra Więcław
A separate area, where the existing ruderal vegetation is left, makes it possible to maintain biodiversity. Moreover, the plants and animals that appear in the part accessible to people will remain respected as the original owners of the site. Relative to humans, the complex has recreational and therapeutic functions, and encourages people to return to good habits. In the facility, all human users can undergo treatments that positively affect their well-being and seek advice from specialists. The facility is tailored for free contact with nature in an intimate atmosphere, and raises awareness of the important role nature plays in human life in various contexts.
axonometry of the first time study, year 2022
© Aleksandra Więcław
The complex consists of four interconnected zones accessible to people: an entrance, a residence, a therapeutic area and an orchard. The part belonging to nature is an area closed to humans — it has scenic value.
The technical problem that the natural facility undertakes is to carry out a fully controlled life cycle of the building. This should be understood as the creation of the object using environmentally safe local materials and natural degradation after the expiration of its useful life. Through this process, the site can be returned to nature again in the future. This is an idea inherent in ecological construction, not leaving unnecessary waste, which often threatens many organisms.
axonometry of the second time study, year 2172
© Aleksandra Więcław
The aforementioned life cycle is divided into two phases. The first is for the operation of the building. The complex will fulfill its therapeutic function during this time. The city will probably see more and more green areas, some cars will disappear, and people will become more aware of their health and the need to take care of it. When the facility's function is no longer needed, the second phase, biodegradation, will occur. The facility will no longer be used by people, all reusable elements or those made of non-biodegradable materials will be removed from the site. The plot will be returned to nature in the condition in which it was "borrowed". For the next several hundred years, the complex will cease to exist on its own, without the use of energy.
axonometry of the third time study, year 2222
© Aleksandra Więcław
Aleksandra WIĘCŁAW
Illustrations: © Author
