Work submitted for the competition
"Best Interior Diploma 2022/2024".
The subject of the thesis is the revitalization of Piast Square in Bydgoszcz, more specifically, the creation of an urban interior concept. Piast Square is located in the central district of Downtown, and its creation dates back to the second half of the 19th century; it was originally named Elisabeth Square, in honor of Elisabeth Ludwika, the wife of the then reigning King Frederick William IV of Prussia. The plan was to divide the square into a square and a shopping area, but before World War I, the Sacred Heart Church was erected in the place of the square.
Top view of Piast Square in Bydgoszcz
© Karolina Sommerfeld
The function of commerce has developed and transformed over the years, from designated trading days to all-week trading, which continues to this day. Years of changes in infrastructure, a completely different mentality and awareness of users have left this place in need of a metamorphosis that will respond to the current needs of the local community and restore the splendor of Elizabeth Square.
A projection of Piast Square in Bydgoszcz
© Karolina Sommerfeld
Extensive functional, compositional and communication analyses led to the concept of a place that combines harmony and clarity of form, but at the same time has bionic elements. The result is a facility that houses two elongated pavilions, with as many as forty commercial booths available for permanent trade. In addition, there are benches on the north and south sides that have seats of varying heights, where temporary trade can also take place.
main entrance
© Karolina Sommerfeld
The project includes parking spaces around the site, as well as in the underground parking lot, in order to organize the space and improve the user experience. The entrance to the underground parking lot is from Piast Square Street, the exit - from Szczepana Jankowskiego Street.
recreation zone
© Karolina Sommerfeld
In addition, right next to the shopping pavilions, a covered space is provided for bicycle parking, which is separated by a partition made of vertical panels. There are also toilets for women, men, people with disabilities and a place for breastfeeding women with children.
recreation zone
© Karolina Sommerfeld
The development is mostly glazed, has partially translucent areas, and the numerous openings add lightness and correspond and blend well with the surroundings. The building is covered entirely with naturally colored brick, which refers in color to the neighboring buildings.
rest area
© Karolina Sommerfeld
Inside, a meeting and rest area has been located, which is filled with greenery and elements of small architecture for the recreation of the local community and beyond. This is not the only greenery element used in the project - the concept envisages the use of an extensive roof solution, which will further enrich the landscape, especially for those living on the upper floors of the townhouses.
preserves stand
© Karolina Sommerfeld
The form of trade itself was also meticulously analyzed, and a division appeared between permanent trade - in pavilions, and temporary trade - outside, under the covered part of the development. The project presented various trade stands, taking into account the type of items sold, these are vegetables and fruits, dairy products, baked goods and preserves, in turn.
bread stand
© Karolina Sommerfeld
A convenience for sellers has also been introduced - separate entrances to the stands, which will facilitate the use and carrying out of deliveries. For shoppers, rest areas located inside the shopping pavilions are designed, equipped with low and high tables, as well as chairs and hockers.
elevations of the facility with pavilions
© Karolina Sommerfeld
The designed space is intended for users of different ages, and the easy access and clear division of zones is expected to increase interest and encourage use by the largest possible audience.
view of the body of the building
© Karolina Sommerfeld
The work's theme draws attention to the aesthetic and social benefits of carrying out revitalization. It also consists of thoughts and tips on what to pay attention to during revitalization activities in order to make them successful.
Karolina SOMMERFELD
Illustrations: © Author
