Designing contemporary recreation zones is a process in which the original sketch is rarely the final version. The Waśniów realization is a model example of how small-scale architecture can "seize" a space, evolving from a punctuated retrofit into a comprehensive urban system. It also proves that the key to a successful public investment is flexibility on the designer-supplier-contractor line.
© 4MA SA
Micro scale, macro effect
The Waśniów investment did not start with grand plans. The first impulse was the need to provide just a few elements of small architecture. However, in the course of the work and an in-depth analysis of the site's potential, the concept began to swell. A water jetty, an expanded playground and systems tying these elements together into a single, legible fabric appeared.
© 4MA SA
The success of this realization lies in the integrated approach to procurement. Instead of a patchwork of products from different suppliers, a monolithic offering was relied upon. The contractor was given the comfort of one contract and one responsibility, a value that cannot be overestimated in the construction process. The 4MA and HAGS brands (represented by Urbana) were behind the entire luminaire , which allowed for aesthetic consistency while diversifying functions.
© 4MA SA
Architectural "tailor-made" flexibility
In landscape architecture, detail is everything. The Waśniów realization required 4MA to move away from a rigid catalog framework. A number of material modifications were made to meet the designer's vision and durability requirements:
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Structure: Traditional wooden structures were replaced with steel ones where the durability and aesthetics of a modern block required it.
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Material: Wood panels gave way to high-pressure HPL laminates (consisting of 70% cellulose), which offer incomparably greater resistance to weather and vandalism.
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The detail: Personalization covered every aspect - from the wood species (certified Nordic pine), to the dimensions, to the custom color scheme that defined the character of the place.
© 4MA SA
Our goal was to find common ground between the designer's vision and the contractor's pragmatism. This required numerous discussions and technical adjustments, but thanks to this, the architecture in Waśniów is not just a set of devices - it is a coherent response to the specific needs of the site," stresses Lukasz Morgaś of 4MA.
Ecology embedded in certification
In an era of climate crisis, the choice of materials is no longer just a matter of aesthetics. Waśniów uses components with a low carbon footprint. The steelused is 82% recycled, and the wood is FSC and PEFC certified , guaranteeing responsible forest management.
© 4MA SA
It is worth noting that HAGSmodular systems (UniPlay and UniMini), which have become the heart of the playground, are designed in the spirit of a closed-loop economy. As of 2019, the brand has partnered with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which obliges it to adhere to strict environmental standards at every stage of a product's life.
A new standard for common places
Wśniów proves that a local government investment can aspire to quality architecture. The combination of HAGS technology and 4MA's artisanal flexibility has resulted in a space that is inclusive, stands the test of time and, above all, is cohesive. It's not just a playground, but a thoughtful piece of social infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for residents without sacrificing design ambition.
For more information, visit the company's 4MA SA page on the A&B portal.
