Revolution accomplished: The Lazarski Market in Poznań has changed completely. The competition solution from five years ago (designed by APA Jacek Bułat) has been serving residents and merchants since early December. The transformed square has many assets, but also two important aspects to correct. The first is greenery, the second - the functionality and logistics of the market.
The commercially vibrant central squares of Poznań's historic districts are a valuable distinguishing feature of the city. However, they have been in need of revaluation for years. The first to go was the Lazarski Market - the most neglectedand difficult to arrange. This is because it consists of an irregular quadrangle of the main square slab and a triangular wedge customarily referred to as "funnel" - a spacious connector with Glogowska Street, the communication spine of the Lazarus district.
Before the renovation, the neglected market was extremely shabby: with a devastated pavement and derelict stalls. The very narrow sidewalks along the frontage also served as parking lots. Cars squeezed in everywhere. In addition, the irregular square was dissected by a roadway that facilitated automobile transit through the district, undesirable in a residential neighborhood. The triangular "funnel", was planted - admittedly - densely with low plants, but in such a way that it was impossible to rest among them. On the other hand, there were few trees in the square. Apart from its local market function, the Market played no other role.
better, but with reservations
Lazarski Market in Poznan - visualization of the competition work (after later modifications). Eventually, in the course of the work, even more green areas were arranged than can be seen in the graphic
design by APA Jacek Bułat
Today, after the renovation, the square looks in accordance with the design selected in the 2016 competition arranged in a two-stage so-called Flemish formula (A&B's extensive analytical text on the subject: here). It was won by the Poznań office of APA Jacek Bułat, proposing, first of all, the expressive circular form of the market 's canopy made of two large ETFE foil cushions, an extensive recreation and leisure area with a playground and space for food gardens, and significant traffic calming (including the elimination of transit through the center of the slab). In line with residents' demands, a large number of parking spaces remained unchanged. After many perturbations related to the increased cost of the work and the selection of a contractor, the square was put into operation in early December last year.
Lazarski Square in Poznań after reconstruction, proj. APA Jacek Bułat
View from Małeckiego Street, in the foreground the largest "island" of greenery on the square
photo: Jakub Glaz
What can be said about Lazarski after 45 days? The battle test is over: immediately after the opening, the city held a Christmas market with a carousel and an open-air exhibition on the history of the district, which was well received by residents. Since the holidays, the square has been operating in "normal mode." A full evaluation will probably be possible next year, especially after the summer heat. However, some reasonable conclusions can already be drawn now.
First of all, it is a completely different space and - with caveats about which in a moment - much better than the state before the reconstruction. The circular form of the market uniquely lends coherence to an irregular square with "chipped" frontages (south and west) that have not been fully developed to date. The controversy over the scale and modern form of the structure that has resounded on social media seems to have been exaggerated (except for the valid objections related to the need to inflate the roof cushions).
Lazarski Market in Poznań after reconstruction, proj. APA Jacek Bułat
- View of the market from under the pavilions
- The largest area of greenery in the western part of the square, which previously served as a parking lot and annex of the marketplace
photo: Jakub Głaz
Thefunctional division also works well - into a clearly defined market area under a circular canopy and a rest and recreation area in the central part and within the "funnel". Wide sidewalks, priority for pedestrian traffic, numerous benches, orderly parking (although there are, unfortunately, too many parking spaces) a playground and discreet lighting create a friendly atmosphere, and it is clear that residents vote for the square with their feet. You can see seniors, youngsters on skateboards and children using the playground.
Lazarski Square in Poznań after reconstruction, proj. APA Jacek Bułat
- View of the "funnel" with a playground and space for food gardens, in the background: Glogowska Street
- The main slab of the square - general view from the "funnel". On the right you can see a fragment of the green space developed after criticism from residents in the fall of 2021.
photo: Jakub Głaz
The quality of the pavement is also a great asset. The city, having learned from its bad experience during the reconstruction of Swiety Marcin Street, has opted for granite material - with no apparent savings in the form of concrete. There is also a good relationship between the scale and form of the stone slabs, cubes of various sizes and textures, and - in places, within the roadway: asphalt. Paradoxically, the district square has sidewalks and roadways of a higher quality than the previously renovated section of the center's most important street, the aforementioned Saint Martin's.
Lazarski Square in Poznań after reconstruction, proj. APA Jacek Bułat
photo: Jakub Głaz
lesson not learned
However, it is hard not to agree with the reservations of community activists and residents claiming that there is a bit too little greenery in the Market. And this is despite the fact that there are more trees than before the renovation, there is also no shortage of green islands with shrubs, and under pressure from critics, in the last straight of the renovation, an extensive triangle of land near the market was set aside for greenery and trees. But even so, large expanses of stone flooring sting the eye and make one think of summer heat with apprehension - especially around the lone fountain. There are no trees next to it, because the terms of the competition explicitly stressed the importance of viewing axes indicated by preservationists, undisturbed by vegetation. Officials, on the other hand, invariably explain that large paved areas are necessary for the square to host significant events or fairs.
Theshortcomings of the low greenery, however, could have been avoided, seeing as how a similar solution was criticized on Saint Martin's, which was commissioned in spring 2019. Unlike the pavement issues, here the city has not done its homework given by residents. You also have to wait a few years for the proliferation of trees, which were planted around the perimeter of the square and within the "funnel". In winter they are barely noticeable, and in summer they will not provide enough shade. Time is also needed, unfortunately, for the officials who are supposed to "monitor" the square to think about it, so that - after observation - they can make decisions about re-paving parts of the Square. Although several places (vide: photos below) qualify for such an operation right away.
Lazarski Market in Poznań after reconstruction, proj. APA Jacek Bułat
Spaces that already qualify for partial "de-paving"
photo: Jakub Głaz
stalls of discord
Finally, there is considerable controversy over the functionality of the market, which is complained about primarily by traders, despite the fact that during the competition and design work they had the opportunity to speak out on the proposed solutions. They are uncomfortable with the size of the stalls and the prohibition of shielding them from the wind or the snow and rain, especially near the opening in the central part of the roof for ventilation. In fact, the stalls could be larger, and the addition of lightweight and uniformly designed partitions or covers is unlikely to adversely affect the aesthetics of the whole. The decision to place a spacious bench just under the market oculus also seems rather puzzling. Equally surprising is the abandonment of the placement of toilets within the "saucer", despite the fact that there are, after all, lockable trade pavilions. Merchants are directed to a toilet located many years ago in the first floor of one of the tenements.
Lazarski Market in Poznań after reconstruction, proj. APA Jacek Bułat
photo: Jakub Głaz
On the other hand, sellers have become too accustomed to a situation in which a stall functions like a store - only that it is open-air. This can be clearly seen at Poznań's as-yet-unrenovated markets, where goods are left on stands overnight, covered with blankets and guarded by hired people. There also doesn't seem to be a stall size that would satisfy sellers. Merchants with even a very large space are able to encase their stall with extra crates and cardboard boxes, making passage and shopping difficult.
Lazarski Market in Poznań after reconstruction, proj. APA Jacek Bułat
Stalls enlarged by merchants
photo: Jakub Głaz
Finally, it's high time for sellers to learn a better way to deliver goods to their stall (e.g., with a convenient cart provided by the Market operator). At Lazarski, delivery trucks continue to drive directly up to the stall, making the Market look like a covered parking lot at times. This issue needs urgent and logical regulation.
One more thing also needs to be corrected: the lighting of the market - far too strong after trading hours. The commercial "saucer" is illuminated interestingly and attractively, but the amount of light certainly has an adverse effect on the residents of the market houses. It remains to be hoped that the problem of light pollution can be easily solved by regulating the power of the lamps.
Lazarski Market neighborhood
1. Małeckiego Street with a new greenbelt and orderly parking, in the background Lazarski Market.
2. the Eki z Malki square adjacent to Malecki street - its reconstruction is planned.
Photo: Jakub Głaz
Regardless of these shortcomings, Lazarski Market is now a public space with a very high potential, which has a chance to revitalize the neglected eastern part of Lazarus. It's worth mentioning that the changes in the district are comprehensive: the adjacent streets have also been revitalized (new rows of trees and low greenery, wide sidewalks, civilized parking as part of the just-introduced limited parking zone). There are also plans to transform the nearby Eki z Malki square according to a design commissioned by the city from Front Architects. In a few months we will subject the changes that have taken place and further plans to another evaluation.
