Is it possible to make a friendly, green and 15-minute housing development out of a post-industrial site along a railroad line? That was the challenge taken up by Zuzanna Schleifer of {tag:University} when she designed a housing development on a site right next to the railroad in Warsaw's Targówek district. The promoter of her work was Jakub Heciak.
The project involves the revitalization of a post-industrial area cut by a section of a railroad line in Warsaw's Targówek district. The area is currently not conducive to habitation, despite its proximity to the city center, due to noise and pollution. The author of the project points out how serious a problem such white, undeveloped spots are on city maps, especially in times of housing crisis.
site development plan
proj.: Zuzanna Schleifer
No cars and a linear central park
The author focused on connecting the newly developed area with the existing urban fabric while using sustainable solutions. Thus, the study area included no-car zones, as well as green pedestrian and bicycle paths, connecting all the smaller community centers, and a linear central park. This park serves not only as an extension of the active biological area, but also as a buffer between the neighborhood and the noisy railroad line. Moreover, the designed quarter fulfills the idea of a 15-minute city.
diagram of a 15-minute city
proj.: Zuzanna Schleifer
The project uses a location close to the railroad station, which provides easy transportation of materials. Therefore, the designed housing is based on prefabricated spatial modules, created in the factory as cubes, which are then transported to the destination and only there assembled into a whole. Such a solution aims to save time, costs and reduce the carbon footprint left behind.
prefabricated modules for different users
proj.: Zuzanna Schleifer
schematic diagram of a structure made of spatial modular elements
proj.: Zuzanna Schleifer
Modular apartments adapted to modern society
The designed apartments are available in various configurations: from studios to those adapted for a couple with two children. The modules are divided into two categories: the wet type, that is, the part in which the kitchen, bathroom and toilets are located; and the dry type, containing rooms - bedrooms and living room. The interiors designed by the author are kept in subdued, natural colors. Natural light enters them through almost entirely glazed walls.
visualization of the interior of a modular apartment
proj.: Zuzanna Schleifer
The modules are supported by a wooden structure. The first floor of the designed building is made of concrete, with commercial premises and communal apartments. The development is diversified in terms of the number of floors, which is conducive to creating a human-friendly scale. The first floor is partially pedestrianized, supporting the other floors on columns. As a result, the building is not a visual or physical barrier to moving around the quarter.
cross-section with detail of the gallery's common spaces
proj.: Zuzanna Schleifer
In addition, the proposed development also has socially inclusive functions. This is allowed not only by the service spaces located on the first floor of the buildings, but also by co-working spaces, occasional rooms, a library or semi-private interior green courtyards.
The project, designed by Zuzanna Schleifer, shows what the transformation of post-industrial areas in Poland could look like, which would turn wastelands into places that allow for decent housing.
