Work submitted for the competition
"Best Interior Diploma".
It has been known for centuries that social relations play an important role in our lives. One example of social relations is intergenerational relations, which are the basis for the functioning of any society. Our communities are built on intergenerational ties that connect us all.
cross sections
© Anna Kotarek
Today, the COVID-19 pandemic, among others, has negatively affected the quality of interpersonal relationships. After the intense time of the pandemic, we felt significant deficiencies in our interactions with those around us. These phenomena inspired the creation of a project for an intergenerational integration space.
The project is based on the adaptation of the ruins of a historic church, located in Wroclaw on Frog Path Street. The space of the ruins has been adapted into a Center for Intergenerational Integration. The project includes the renovation and modernization of the existing architecture, as well as the introduction of a new architectural form.
The main idea of the project is to create a place that will allow both strengthening and development of intergenerational relations, as well as rest and relaxation. An important concept of the project is to combine contemporary and historical architecture. The new form introduced into the existing architecture is inspired by the Gothic star vault and, despite its modernity, refers to the original building.
visualization
© Anna Kotarek
The title of the project refers both to the "getting to know each other" of the generations and to the "getting to know each other" of two completely different architectural styles. The project involves leaving the historic building as a "permanent ruin." The new building, on the other hand, is designed in the spirit of contemporary architecture and is a contrast to the original architecture.
The most key element of the contemporary building is the structural frame, which is built from structural steel elements. The roof design was created by analyzing the Gothic star vault and provides a link between historic and modern architecture. The side walls are covered with glass, while the roof is made of polycarbonate panels. Thanks to this solution, an unlimited amount of daylight enters the interior.
visualization
© Anna Kotarek
The functional layout has been adapted to different audiences, such as the elderly and the disabled. Each floor of the building has a specific function assigned to it, to make their use intuitive and simple. The basement contains social and staff rooms. The first floor serves as a café and open meeting place. The café features an organic form - a multifunctional piece of furniture that encourages group seating and mutual integration.
In addition, visitors can pass the time with books and children's accessories housed in an organic form of bookcase made of bent perforated metal. The first floor also features a courtyard, a tribute to historic architecture, which houses an exhibition on the history of the church's ruins.
visualization
© Anna Kotarek
The first floor hosts workshops that integrate different age groups. In the workshop area there are multifunctional tables and mobile easels, allowing for art workshops and vernissages. The functional layout allows disabled and elderly people to move freely between floors thanks to an adapted elevator, located in the central part of the building.
At the top of the elevator shaft is an observation deck, which is an additional tourist attraction. It is important to preserve the historic character of the site - the contemporary space was designed so as not to overwhelm the historic building. The modern composition of the building was inspired, among other things, by historic church structures, so that - despite its monumentality - it creates a coherent whole with the original architecture.
visualization
© Anna Kotarek
The deliberate futuristic look of the entire space, as well as the renovated historic church building, is expected to attract visitors of different age ranges with its unconventionality.
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Illustrations: © Author.
