A sponge city is an urban design in which urban areas become as natural-like as possible in terms of their water retention function, absorbing excess water during rains and releasing it during droughts. What might a residential quarter look like in such a structure? Wiktoria Legezynska of {tag:University} designed a residential development in Chrzanow that implements the tenets of sustainable and water-conscious urbanism.
Wiktoria Legezynska designed a residential development based on the idea of a "sponge city" - a city focused on functional and sustainable water management. She located it in Chrzanów, located between Krakow and Katowice.
visualization
design: Wiktoria Legezynska
block-sponge in a water-absorbing city
The designed quarter included two multi-family housing structures: a standard apartment block and a point block. Each consists of 3 above-ground floors.
The main design principles derived from the "sponge city" concept are related to water retention. On the estate, water is stored, treated and discharged using natural technologies. Retention reservoirs are distributed in each of the quarters. The water drainage system is also facilitated by the terrain, which has been adjusted to the direction of runoff to the largest natural reservoir in the development area.
visualizations
designed by: Wiktoria Legeżyńska
projections of a selected section
proj.: Wiktoria Legezynska
Associated with the drainage system, the elevation of the area made it possible to create private living conditions for the tenants of the apartments located on the first floor. In addition, each of the units located on this floor enjoys access to a private front garden. A total of 88 apartments, ranging in size from 50 to 125 square meters, are planned for the projected quarter.
projection of sample apartments
designed by: Wiktoria Legeżyńska
The facade blends with the natural background
The idea of a "sponge city" is also referred to by the body of the designed buildings - in order to achieve the sponge effect, there were designed protrusions in the form of folds on the facades made of structural plaster, covered with wooden planks in the colors of dark and light pine, as well as those stained green. This allows the buildings to visually blend into the natural environment. The effect is accentuated by natural green walls, as well as green roofs, which are accessible to residents, allowing them to walk around the entire area between designated private gardens.
facades
designed by Wiktoria Legeżyńska
Automobile traffic in the planned housing development takes place on the main street designed on the west and south sides. The garage is designed on the underground floor.
My project is based on the assumption that architecture consistent with the environment, the natural environment improves our psychological comfort, which can already be seen today - people are much more willing to choose spaces not only having ideal housing conditions, but also convenient natural resources - numerous parks, squares. The Chrzanow estate is for people of all ages, for the elderly who want to spend quiet years in retirement, as well as for young people, families with children, who prefer to choose environments richer in nature, but with the same access to all services: school, stores, etc.
- describes the author.
visualization
proj.: Wiktoria Legażyńska
Wiktoria Legazinska's design shows how in a compact development, multi-family buildings can still provide access to extensive biological active space. The work took part in the ZAMIESZKANIE competition organized by A&B.
