Barbara Wilczek of the Podhale State Vocational University in Nowy Targ has designed a futuristic botanical garden in Zakopane. The master's thesis was carried out under the direction of Prof. Marek Kowicki
The main idea of the thesis was to create a botanical garden that would serve a recreational and scientific function, containing both tropical and native vegetation. The greenhouse complex, connected by tunnels to the main building, draws attention with its futuristic, modern appearance. The author included part of the Tatra National Park's buffer zone in her design.
The greenhouse complex is connected with the main building by tunnels
© Barbara Wilczek
rosette
The botanical garden covers an area of 4.8 hectares, and the arrangement of the facilities refers to the shape of a rosette and the solar system. The main building is a semi-dome erected on a foundation slab with foundation walls. The facility consists of a first floor, a mezzanine and an upper floor and is connected by tunnels to six greenhouses. The first floor of the building contains a store, an information desk, administration, as well as locker rooms and toilets. The mezzanine is a recreational area consisting of viewing terraces, and the first floor is used for meeting rooms, a restaurant and an escape route. From the main building there are four tunnels connecting to the main tunnel, and from there separate passages leading to the individual greenhouses. The author also included a fire road and a parking lot with one hundred and thirty spaces.
Plenty of natural light enters the interiors through the glass domes
© Barbara Wilczek
glass domes
The dome-shaped facilities include greenhouses with cacti, succulents, native coniferous and deciduous plants, palm houses and a special greenhouse with a subtropical climate. The construction of geodesic domes erected on foundation walls performs greenhouse functions, maintaining an appropriate climate inside, while increasing its efficiency and minimizing the use of higher technologies. The domes are resistant to harsh mountain climatic conditions, there is more efficient air circulation, and through their exposure they reduce the need for artificial interior lighting.
Barbara Wilczek's project is a proposal for Zakopane residents and tourists who need a place to relax and admire nature.
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illustrations courtesy of Barbara Wilczek
