A student competition organized by Wydział Architektury Politechniki Śląskiej in cooperation with the University of Beira Interior in Portugal, as well as BNX INVESTIMOS, UNIPESSOAL LDA produced designs rooted in the local context for the transformation of a historic building in Garagem de São João, Covilhã.
Covilhã is a city with a rich history and a strong urban identity, which has undergone dynamic changes on a social, economic and spatial level in recent years. The object of the competition was to transform the historic site in a way that would respond to the needs of the residents while remaining in harmony with the local history and architecture. BNX INVESTIMOS, UNIPESSOAL LDA was a partner in the competition.
In the competition, first place eq aequo went to two teams: Aleksandra Chylak and Dorota Cichoń, and Karolina Supron and Paulina Miszczak.
bird's eye visualization
proj.: Aleksandra Chylak, Dorota Cichoń
Grand Prix - Aleksandra Chylak, Dorota Cichoń
The authors of one of the winning projects created a concept for a modern Student Creativity Center, which aimed to combine artistic, educational and cultural functions.
analysis
proj.: Aleksandra Chylak, Dorota Cichoń
A concert and theater hall, as well as workshop studios, were planned on the underground level of the building, while exhibition space was planned on the first floor. These spaces would be available not only to the student community, but also to city residents. The private part, intended for student apartments and coworking spaces, was designed on the upper floors.
longitudinal section
designed by Aleksandra Chylak, Dorota Cichoń
The architectural concept is based on the juxtaposition of box-like structures with open interior spaces. These "boxes" act as functionally independent units that can be individually shaped and adapted. They also serve as an allegory for the city - a miniature, internal urban fabric that can be strolled through like a real city. Walking among them resembles navigating the streets of Covilhã - around every corner you may be surprised by something beautiful, unexpected, inspiring. Such a solution not only organizes the functions inside the building, but also stimulates curiosity, encourages exploration and creates a dynamic environment of shared creativity
- tell the authors.
concept diagram - vertical gardens and terraces
designed by Aleksandra Chylak, Dorota Cichoń
The designed building is covered with vertical gardens, and from the viewing terraces one can admire the nearby park. Also the remains of the ruins located in the study area were included in the project - the authors decided to transform them into artistic terraces.
The project was led by Dr. Eng. arch. Rafal Radziewicz-Winnicki.
Grand Prix - Karolina Supron, Paulina Miszczak
Another project awarded the Grand Prix involves transforming the building into a multifunctional intergenerational center. It will include a gastronomic, cultural, educational and recreational zone.
land development
proj.: Karolina Supron, Paulina Miszczak
The authors of the project planned to open the first floor of the building to the street by means of large glazing, encouraging passersby to enter the gastronomic establishments and small stores located there. On the first level there would be workshop and lecture rooms, separated by movable walls, allowing the space to be shaped according to current needs. The next level of the building is planned to include cinema rooms, a ceramics studio, language studios and a theater club meeting room.
cross-section A-A
designed by Karolina Supron, Paulina Miszczak
In the design of the intergenerational center, the degraded roof structure of the building was replaced by a new floor made with a lightweight steel structure, which would house a bar along with a club.
The design is intended to combine respect for the historic identity of the site with a clear contemporary touch. In view of this, the original architectural elements have been preserved - the facade detailing, the layout of the window openings, the color scheme and the characteristic inscription on the facade. New interventions, such as copper window frames, a copper representative staircase and a glazed first floor, were introduced
in a contrasting but harmonious manner
- explain the authors.
bird's eye view visualization - drawn
proj.: Karolina Supron, Paulina Miszczak
Leading the project was Dr. Eng. arch. Karolina Chodura.
honorable mention - Oliwia Jagła, Magdalena Majsak
Dr. Eng. arch. Karolina Chodura is also the leader of one of the projects awarded in the competition. Oliwia Jagła and Magdalena Majsak in their work titled. "Invasive green terrain within" placed emphasis on creating a sustainable urban space.
front visualization
proj.: Oliwia Jagła, Magdalena Majsak
The layout of the building was inspired by the unique topography of the city of Covilhã, resembling a fingerprint. The project planned green terraces, cascading paths and rest areas. Also, the neighboring ruins became a recreational element of the facility.
Replacing the window frames with modern and energy-efficient ones, introducing large glazing on the first floor and a new northern facade made of glass - all of this opens the interior to the city and allows the building to function sustainably
- tell the authors.
landscaping
proj.: Oliwia Jagła, Magdalena Majsak
Inside, on the underground level, a wellness space was designed to include a spa and swimming pool. On the first floor, premises were designed to meet the daily needs of the residents: a supermarket, a bakery and a restaurant. The upper floors offer physical activity spaces like a gym and a spinning wall, as well as a bar with billiards.
facades
designed by Oliwia Jagła, Magdalena Majsak
The competition jury appreciated the projects for, among other things, sensitivity to the local scale, the ability to formulate coherent spatial narratives and attention to the sustainability of the urban environment. The awarded and distinguished works will be presented at a post-competition exhibition in Covilhã, Portugal itself later in May. Congratulations!
