Work submitted for the competition
"Best Diploma Architecture"
The "ODnowa" project is a master's thesis addressing the issue of deteriorating manor and farm assumptions in Poland, the concept of heritage protection and the identity and landscape of the Polish countryside. The project for the revitalization and expansion of the Chudobczyce assumption is a response to the conditions and limitations present in the area.
project idea and axonometry (environment)
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
A functional-utility program was prepared for the entire premise, and a detailed design for the reconstruction of two buildings in the complex was developed. Cooperation with the "Barka" Mutual Aid Foundation, residing in the area of the premise, gave the project a real dimension and allowed us to get to know directly the needs of the potential user.
axonometries (society and heritage)
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
As part of the revitalization program, it was proposed to introduce an addiction therapy center to complement the Foundation's existing program in the study area. The facility would provide a transitional place between a closed therapy center and a return to everyday life. This is a key moment in the treatment of alcohol addiction: breaking with previous patterns and learning to function healthily, rebuilding family and social relationships.
addiction therapy center, top elevation
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
For this purpose, it was decided to adapt the existing sheepfold — the farmhouse outbuilding in brick construction. The whitewashed mixed fieldstone and brick wall has numerous secondary additions. The window woodwork throughout the building is heterogeneous, probably dating from different periods. There is a decorative brick cornice at the height of the ceiling above the first floor.
detail of the addiction therapy center
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
The facades of the building were decided to be cleaned, showing the mixed masonry, also visible in other buildings of the manor. The window and door frames were replaced with new ones, distinguishing them from the authentic matter with a green color. The altered masonry sections were also distinguished, using different brick ties. The ceilings in most of the building are segmental arched, on a cast iron structure — decorative columns on octagonal bases with heads give the interior a unique character. The project involves uncovering the structure and highlighting the new elements in the interiors with green color as well. In the part where the wooden ceiling between floors is bare, the building was opened up to two floors to house an auditorium.
barn, adaptation scheme
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
The utility program of the center was created after analyzing what addiction is and how to spatially support therapy. Adequate education, the support that comes from a sense of belonging and the motivation that comes from defining the goal and knowing the tools needed to achieve it are necessary. The therapy space was therefore organized into three main zones — motivation, relationship and education. The motivation zone consists of offices for working with the therapist and doctor, and a room for group meetings, along with the necessary facilities. To the right of the entrance area is the relationship zone. It is formed by a modular raised floor, which, when the panels are removed at any point, creates a table and seating areas. It is a space for rebuilding relationships with loved ones and building them with other users of the premise. The last is the education zone, where lectures, talks or film screenings can be held.
addiction therapy center, first floor plan
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
The second building included in the detailed study is the mansion, listed in the register of historical monuments. The building, which exists today, was built in 1907-1910 according to a design by Roger Sławski. Two elevations of the mansion were painted white, losing the original varied colors of individual architectural details. It was decided to return to the historic color scheme of the building.
manor house
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
The mansion was adapted for cultural functions and a café on the first floor, allocating the first floor for office spaces for the Foundation's employees. The building was adapted for people with disabilities by introducing a platform lift and an accessible entrance in the connector. A cafeteria for the addiction therapy center and other visitors to the foundation was designed in the annex.
The mansion, cross-section A-A
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
The urban planning of the establishment was also designed — the existing paths and greenery in the park part were supplemented, and the manor was supplemented with two squares: a social square — located by the zone of the addiction therapy center, integrating all users of the complex, and a market square, complementing the processing and workshop zone. It would serve as a place to sell local products or crafts made at the workshops, as well as a place for sharing experiences, celebrating localism.
market square
© Michalina Linkowska, Zuzanna Zdanowicz
The idea of the project was reduced to one word: "ODnowa". A space for addiction therapy, providing a chance for a new start, meets here with the second life of a monument. By changing the use of the culturally established manor-house assumptions, we take a fresh look at them, trying to save them from destruction and passing into oblivion.
Michalina LINKOWSKA, Zuzanna ZDANOWICZ
Illustrations: © Authors
