Victory Square in Gryfice, the historic square of the center of Gryfice, is characterized by quiet historical buildings adjacent to the modernist office building, whose strong presence shapes the character of the entire eastern frontage. The design team: Agnieszka Stochaj, Piotr Banaszek, Kamila Melka and Jakub Wichtowski won third place in the competition for the concept of developing this square. The jury appreciated the flexible and multifunctional approach to urban space, allowing the square to be adapted to the various needs of the local community. The project raises questions about the legitimacy and future of interventions in this space, emphasizing that every urban planning decision carries a great responsibility, and that too permanent changes can be as problematic as previous implementations.
land use plan
© Agnieszka Stochaj, Piotr Banaszek, Kamila Melka, Jakub Wichtowski
flexible and reversible pavilion
The team's answer is a lightweight, modular pavilion that can be moved, dismantled or transformed without leaving a permanent trace in the fabric of the square. The authors treat the existing space as a value, without interfering with the existing basin of the square - its focal point remains a small fountain, which is the starting point of the whole concept.
The proposed architecture is low horizontal, temporary and does not compete with the office's dominant feature. The pavilion serves a service and cultural function, introducing a "visitor" element that can appear and disappear without permanently interfering with the space. This approach minimizes urban risk and gives the city a great deal of flexibility, especially in terms of future development strategies.
idea
© Agnieszka Stochaj, Piotr Banaszek, Kamila Melka, Jakub Wichtowski
multifunctional central space
The central basin of the square gets a new multifunctional life. With the water, it creates a recreation and cooling zone, and when the water is drained, it becomes a universal podium for events, fairs, screenings or local community activities. The plaza is designed to operate year-round, in a variety of scales and weather conditions, becoming an adaptive space that responds to the needs of local residents.
visualization
© Agnieszka Stochaj, Piotr Banaszek, Kamila Melka, Jakub Wichtowski
traffic, safety and pedestrian connections
The project includes traffic calming, especially in the northern part of the square, creating new pedestrian links leading to the Rega River. Greenery, rows of trees and recreational spaces improve the microclimate of the square and give it a more human, friendly character.
visualization
© Agnieszka Stochaj, Piotr Banaszek, Kamila Melka, Jakub Wichtowski
frugal and conscious design
The design emphasizes rationalization of resources and minimization of materials used, leaving key spaces for the local community. The team continues its previous approach, which focuses on frugal and conscious design of public spaces, which was again appreciated by the competition jury.
The result is a lively plaza that does not impose a permanent structure, but makes responsible use of existing space and introduces flexible, reversible and multifunctional solutions, creating a scene of urban life that can be constantly transformed.
visualization
© Agnieszka Stochaj, Piotr Banaszek, Kamila Melka, Jakub Wichtowski
Full results of the competition for the concept of development of Victory Square in Gryfice are available on our portal ("Competition for the development of the concept of revitalization of Victory Square in Gryfice")
