The engineering thesis "Evolution of space on the example of Narutowicza Street in Lodz" is a proposal for the transformation of the city center itself on the basis of a holistic analysis, full of respect for its past. A {tag:studenci} from Politechnika Łódzka under the supervision of Dr. Eng. arch. Aneta Tomczak, combined the historical with the modern, thinking to protect both cultural heritage and climate.
Narutowicza Street is one of the most important public spaces in Lodz. Not only because of its past, but above all because of its dynamically encroaching future. Currently, it is an area connecting two important areas of the historic downtown, which are undergoing or will undergo fundamental transformations.
Mock-up
Adam Miziołek
Urban rehabilitation with attention to history
In the south, the vision of the New Center of Łódź is being realized. In the north, on the other hand, is the Clothier Gardens area, included in the urban rehabilitation program. Narutowicza Street concentrates the history of Lodz's development like a lens, with all its advantages and disadvantages. As a kind of keystone, it should receive special attention from the authorities, planners and, above all, its residents and users. The presented work "Evolution of space on the example of Narutowicza Street in Lodz" takes up this challenge and presents a comprehensive architectural and urban planning project.
Mock-up
Adam Miziołek
holistic analysis in response to spatial challenges
The aim of the study was to holistically examine the directions and pace of change of the area of influence of one of the most important salons of the city. Detailed analysis was used to develop substantive, data-driven guidelines, which in turn were the basis for the development of an urban design concept. Based on the solid study, an architectural and urban design was prepared. It culminated in a proposal for an architectural solution to the identified spatial challenges.
Evolution of space - supplementary projections
Extensive analysis of function, character of development or greenery and communication
The transformation from 1828 to 2020 was analyzed based on an extensive collection of maps and archival materials. The boundaries of the study are limited by an area of nearly 55 hectares. The elaborated drawings in the topics of function, height and character of development, accessibility of space, and greenery and communication made it possible to develop a series of conclusions and outline design guidelines. The analytical part presents on more than 80 maps and nearly 80 charts how dynamic, but also uneven, the development of the study area has been.
Evolution of space on the example of Narutowicza Street in Lodz.
The work is accompanied by a rich set of graphic appendices - archival photos, postcards and projects that holistically show the local genius loci. The author also used in the work the experience gained from participation in public consultations on the prepared local plans.
Archival materials
protection of climate as well as cultural heritage
The urban planning concept takes advantage of the compositional qualities of the historic downtown of Lodz, shaping the spatial order and in order to implement the policy of returning the city to the center. The project also addresses the issue of public transportation, proposing a new transportation service system for the area under development, as well as bicycle connections. In order to adapt the city to climate change and protect cultural heritage at the same time, a new blue-green system of public spaces has been proposed, taking into account the historical context. Building additions, shaping of spatial order and breakthroughs through overgrown quarters organically fit into the fabric of the city.
Masterplan - schematics
there will be room for a residential building
The architectural and urban design, which completed the work with another scale of development, was the development of the intersection of Narutowicza Street and Tram Street. It proposed detailed, exemplary, optimal and compromise solutions for metropolitan public spaces. The culmination of the work was the concept of a corner residential multi-family building, complementing the modernist fabric of the district.
Urban detail
Facade
Adam Miziołek
Revitalization in a sustainable and economical way
Drawing on deep analysis, the project respectfully takes advantage of the existing potential and proposes further sustainable but also economically viable development of the area. The proposed architectural and public space solutions are the author's response to the identified needs, deeply rooted in the research material. The design challenges, on the other hand, stem directly from the researched urban context and the opportunities discovered.
Urban cross-sections - sketches
Adam Miziołek
The form of the project, devoid of photorealistic visualizations, reminds us of the essence of the architect's work and the primacy of merit and ideas over publicity and glamour. The courage of the project lies in its balance, ideological and design humility and visionary patience, which Narutowicza Street fully deserves.
