A bibliteka, a theater, a museum, or maybe an ice rink? People studying at Wydział Architektury Politechniki Warszawskiej have created designs for the reconstruction of the historic power plant in the Modlin Fortress. Their works will be presented at an opening on March 22.
The vernissage is the result of a design class entitled "Architectural and conservation integration of the historic Narew power plant building with a contemporary addition," led by Katarzyna Skiba of the Laboratory for the Protection and Conservation of Monuments.
over a hundred-year-old building with great potential
The building of the "Narew" Central Power Plant is located in the Modlin Fortress, on the Narew River, at Księstwa Warszawskiego Street in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. It was probably built in 1906. As a power plant, the facility functioned until the 1950s, and now stands empty and unused. Although located outside the strict buildings of the Modlin Fortress, the power plant fits in with the concept of its development, and has also been decorated with rich architectural detail. Its former large window openings, however, are now bricked up, while the floor still shows remnants of ceramic tiles, testifying to the attention to the quality of the interior finish. The "Narew" power plant is listed in the Register of Immovable Monuments of Mazovia.
technical condition analysis
design: Justyna Śmigielska
analysis of the state of preservation
project: Justyna Śmigielska
The class resulted in a variety of proposals for land development, renovation and adaptation of the historic Power Plant, preceded by a detailed analysis of the building and its current technical condition. Among the students' ideas were the creation of a gymnasium, sauna, year-round skating center, library, theater or even a Vintage car showroom.
The activity group, included students, from all over the country, which was an added advantage. The exchange of different experiences, gained knowledge at various Polish polytechnic faculties allowed to create a variety of design proposals. The students approached the topic very diligently, faced the challenges arising from the specific design conditions, which is designing in the environment and with an object listed in the register of monuments
- comments the instructor of the class, Katarzyna Skiba.
The projects can inspire the creation of investment plans for the adaptation of the facility, which is why not only conservators and lovers of the Modlin Fortress were invited to the vernissage, but also residents and the mayor of Nowy Dwor Mazowiecki.
The opening of the students' works will also be accompanied by a discussion, as well as a tour of the Fortress with a visit to the powder magazine museum.
Below are excerpts from the works that will be included in the exhibition.
Bartosz Gierej - Sports Center
The project calls for a year-round sports center with skating and roller skating tracks. The concept calls for a large covered area, allowing the ice sheet to be frozen not only in winter. The skating track and ice rink swap places depending on the season - in winter the ice rink is located on the first floor and offers a winding track, while in summer the sheet moves underground, giving way to the skaters.
visualization - Sports Center
designed by Bartosz Gierej
Adrianna Wrona - Energy Knowledge Center
The concept is to expand with the addition of an underground floor, partially extending beyond the outline of the escarpment, towards the historic granary, located on the other side of the Narew River. The monument showcases conventional energy issues as they applied in the last century, with preserved machinery and switchgear being a unique feature of the exhibition.
visualization - Energy Knowledge Center
proj.: Adrianna Wrona
Justyna Smigielska - A haven for runners, cyclists and cross-country skiers
The starting point of the concept for the modern addition is the restoration of the lost integrity of the power plant with its surroundings, which is emphasized by the incorporation into the new volume of two masses referring to the surrounding buildings - the transformer station and the fuel storage.
The new utility plan calls for a marina for runners, cyclists and cross-country skiers - a proposal that stems from the Power Plant's unique location - directly on the river embankment, surrounded by greenery and in close proximity to bicycle and cross-country ski trails. The marina is to serve as a launching point for athletes, as well as sanitary facilities and a social area with amenities such as a sauna and a calming room. The facility will also be equipped with equipment storage and a repair shop.
Visualization - A haven for runners, cyclists and cross-country skiers
proj.: Justyna Śmiegielska
Gabriela Szewczyk - Modlin Library
The newly designed building is a lightweight, steel, scaffold system. The library building replicates the proportions of the historic building, and the foundation itself above the Narwe power plant has been designed to not disturb its monohaleness.
visualization - Modlin Library
proj.: Gabriela Szewczyk
Hanna Gabryszewska - Vintage car showroom
The project envisages the creation of a space not only for the sale of vintage cars, but also the organization of mechanical workshops, the operation of an automotive library and driving simulators. Workshop facilities, offices and social rooms for employees are also envisaged.
The historic building has been expanded with simple blocks to the east and north with a steel structure and green roof in reference to the overhead crane in the original interior and the historic slope. A key element of the new block is the opening front elevation of the new section, which allows vehicles to freely enter the interior, set up displays and access the workshops.
Visualization - Vintage car showroom
designed by Hanna Gabryszewska
Aleksandra Gajewska - Modlin Energy Center
The project involves the restoration of significant original details and expansion of the existing historic building. The color of the facade alludes to the brick preserved buildings in the Modlin Fortress, and the chromatic inserts allow to somehow disappear among the trees and emphasize the beauty of the historic building.
The Modlin Energy Center, or Energy Museum, shows the history of the creation of energy, the operation of power plants and modern methods of obtaining energy. It is also an incubator of new ideas and a meeting place in a pleasant environment.
Mock-up - Modlin Energy Center
designed by Aleksandra Gajewska
Krzysztof Rudnicki - "Elektrownia" theater.
The main objective of the activities is to preserve the original historic fabric while adapting the building for a new cultural function. Adaptation of the power plant into a theater will contribute to revitalizing this unique place and giving it a new meaning in the context of the local community and culture.
Mock-up - "Elektrownia" theater
proj.: Krzysztof Rudnicki
Kseniya Fedorchuk - Coal Museum
The Coal Museum aims to show the role that coal has played in the history of industry and the economy. In two exhibition halls, visitors will be able to learn about the history of coal mining and use, its impact on the development of technology, as well as contemporary challenges of exploitation and alternative energy sources. Multimedia presentations, models of historic machinery and archival photographs will provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic and an immersion into the past of the energy industry. Thanks to the carefully planned revitalization, the Narew Power Plant will gain new life as the Coal Museum - a place that combines industrial heritage with a modern approach to education and historical display. It is a unique space that not only tells the story of coal and its importance, but also encourages reflection on the future of the power industry and the industry's impact on the environment.
visualization - Coal Museum
proj.: Kseniia Fedorchuk
Aleksandra Nowosad - Banquet hall
The building was designed with an entertainment area, catering facilities, available accommodation on the first floor and a unique platform located on the bank of the Narew River, overlooking the ruins belonging to the Fortress area, which can serve as a place to relax or provide a venue for a unique ceremony with a unique view of the sunset.
Mock-up - Banquet Hall
proj.: Aleksandra Nowosad
Darya Staviskaya - Archive with a public library and an exhibition room for archival exhibits
The project envisages the creation of a Fortress archive, which is missing from the complex. The facility could be used to store valuable documents, infographics, etc. The building would be expanded on the right, eastern side, as the other elevations have more architectural value. The new part of the block consists of two above-ground floors and one underground floor. The designed part connects to the historic building with a gallery. The new construction does not exceed the height of the existing building.
Mock-up - Archive with public library and exhibition room for archival exhibits
proj.; Stavitskaya Darya
Matthew Robak - Climbing center
The project involves the adaptation of the historic Narew power plant into a climbing center, combining heritage preservation with modern solutions. The new body, housing functional facilities and climbing walls, remains visually and structurally independent from the historic structure, emphasizing its original character. The climbing walls inside the historic hall, placed on a separate structure, do not interfere with the historic walls. The spaces are connected by a glass link and footbridge, allowing easy movement between the new and historic parts. The design blends harmoniously with its surroundings, offering users a unique sports experience in the context of industrial heritage.
visualization - Climbing center
proj.: Mateusz Robak
Justyna Repko - Hostel power plant
Hotel/hostel with food and beverage section - restaurant, bar, banquet hall, tourist haven. The premise of the project in this part of the fortress is to create a hotel service with catering facilities. One of the groups of customers are people, traveling by air. They can stay at the hostel before a morning flight, an overnight transfer or rest after arrival. Another group is pilgrims following the St. James Trail, which passes through the Modlin Fortress. The next group are tourists who want to take a break from the city in an interesting place.
Mock-up - Hostel "Elektrownia"
proj.: Justyna Repko
The exhibition of student works will be held in the building of the "Narew" Power Plant on the grounds of the Modlin Fortress, Księstwa Warszawskieg Street, Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki. It will last from March 22 (the opening will take place at 12:00).
