Contemporary architecture increasingly draws inspiration from local history and nature, combining tradition with modern technologies. It is this approach that distinguishes Karolina Krużycka's project, which has won recognition in many prestigious competitions. Karolina Krużycka 's master's thesis defended at Gdansk University of Technology won numerous awards, including the Zbyszek Zawistowski Diploma of the Year Award in the competition organized by the Association of Polish Architects (SARP). The author also tooksecond place in the Builder for the Future competition and received the Award of the Rector of the Gdansk University of Technology. In addition, the project was honored in the POIA competition and awarded 1st prize in the SARP O. Wybrzeże Diploma of the Year Competition.
landscaping
© Karolina Krużycka
Kolobrzeg and its salt history
For centuries, Kolobrzeg has been famous for its spa character and the tradition associated with salt. The author of the project decided to combine these two elements, creating a space that not only restores the old identity of the Salt Island, but also responds to the needs of the modern city. The choice of this location is not accidental - it was on the Salt Island that the first salt brewing plants were located, which for centuries drove the city's development.
idea
© Karolina Krużycka
The main element of the project is a graduation tower building inspired by the organic form of a sloe branch, referring to traditional constructions of this type. Inside it there are plans for a gastronomic zone, the Jantar water pump room, a salt grotto and a museum dedicated to the salt history of Kolobrzeg. The center of the establishment is a square with a salt spray, which has a therapeutic and recreational function, encouraging relaxation in a healthy environment.
Vegetation and graduation towers as pollution absorbers
© Karolina Krużycka
The project uses glulam as the main construction material, which provides durability, aesthetics and an ecological dimension to the building. Facades finished with wooden shingles and skylights providing natural lighting for the interiors make the space combine functionality with aesthetics.
elevations, silhouette
© Karolina Krużycka
The new life of Salt Island
The two towers, referring to the shape of the graduation tower, are not only dominant features of the landscape, but also have a viewing function. Thanks to them, visitors can admire the panorama of Kolobrzeg and Salt Island, experiencing the city from a completely new perspective. Their construction is based on glulam technology and openwork facades, which allow free air flow and natural ventilation of the interiors.
The project places great emphasis on ecology. The planned urban farms, community gardens and salt pans with halophytes not only serve an educational function, but also support biodiversity. The use of green roofs and water retention systems further reinforces the pro-environmental nature of the premise, and the brine used in the graduation tower supports salt marsh ecosystems.
diagrams of outdoor spaces
© Karolina Krużycka
Thanks to the project, Salt Island gains a connection to the city via a floating footbridge and a water streetcar stop. This allows free movement of residents and tourists, while emphasizing the connection between modern architecture and the natural surroundings. The space was designed to combine educational, recreational and social functions, creating a place that encourages interaction and conscious spending.
diagram of pro-environmental solutions
© Karolina Krużycka
space for education and integration
One of the key elements of the project is the accompanying building, which serves as an educational and ecological center. It contains workshop spaces, greenhouses and a store with local products that promotes the regional economy. Workshops on ecological cultivation methods and classes on environmental protection are organized to raise environmental awareness among residents and visitors.
anthropogenic salt mine
© Karolina Krużycka
Community gardens and urban farms are places where residents can grow plants together, share experiences and build relationships. This is part of the trend of sustainable urban development, where public spaces become centers of social integration.
visualization
© Karolina Krużycka
Karolina Krużycka's project is not only an architectural proposal, but also a manifesto related to urban revitalization and preservation of the identity of places. It shows how history can be creatively combined with the future, creating spaces that not only serve residents/residents, but also educate and inspire. The solutions implemented can become a model for other cities that are looking for ways to harmoniously combine cultural heritage with modern urban planning requirements. The brine graduation tower in Kolobrzeg is not just a building. It is a space for dialogue, a place that connects people, ideas and the past with the future. It can become a symbol of a new approach to urban design - sensitive to history, environmentally friendly and open to the needs of the community.
visualization
© Karolina Krużycka
