The 10th edition of the Mies+ plebiscite brought more inspiring projects and a triumph of the best architectural ideas. The competition, dedicated to male and female students with active status at WAPW, focuses on recognizing the most appealing design ideas, which are presented to the general public and evaluated through voting.
Since 2015, Mies+ has been an opportunity to showcase student achievements, and the name of the plebiscite refers to the figure of Mies van der Rohe. The competition is divided into three stages, with the final one, held in the winter semester, bringing together industry representatives, academics and the public. Awards are given in three main categories: "Cubature for an individual," "Single-family housing," and "Architectural design for the community."
"House on Kabaty" - interior visualization
© Karolina Mrówna
"Single-family development" category - Karolina Mrówka and her "House on Kabaty".
The main prize in this category was won by Karolina Mrówka for her "House on Kabaty" project . The single-family house was designed to integrate naturally with its surroundings, respecting the qualities of the plot. A key element of the design is the creation of a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces, which was emphasized by the placement of a tree as the focal point of the house. The tree, located in the atrium, around which the building space was planned based on view axes, is the element that connects the interior with the garden and the surroundings.
The viewing axes frame the landscape, allowing residents to admire the tree - the heart of the house, the garden and the neighboring park. Window seats, creating cozy places for relaxation, allow direct contact with nature. The traffic layout allows free movement around the atrium, without having to repeat routes.
"House on Kabaty" - window
© Karolina Mrówka
The division into living and private zones provides both spaciousness for spending time together and comfortable privacy when needed. The living space, including the kitchen, dining room and living room, is located on a single viewing axis opening to the garden, which promotes family integration and facilitates mutual interaction.
The project combines a modern reinterpretation of an ancient Roman house with respect for nature, creating a functional, cohesive space that promotes living in harmony with nature while responding to the individual needs of the family.
"House on Kabaty" - wall
© Karolina Mrówka
Category "Architectural project for the local community" - Agata Walczykowska and Krystian Brynda with "Project of the Influential School".
The work of the team of Agata Walczykowska and Krystian Bryndawas awarded in this category . Their project "Influencing School" is located in Elsnerow, an area that was once an industrial center and is now developing mainly through multi-family residential development. Responding to the growing need for close access to education and culture, they presented a concept for a complex that includes an elementary school and a local community center.
"Influential School" - visualization
© Agata Walczykowska and Krystian Brynda
The key idea of the project is to integrate various functions into a harmonious whole. Blocks of grades I-III and IV-VIII retain an orderly, school-like character, conducive to calm, learning and concentration. The front facade, on the other hand, along with the large plaza and greenery in front of the school, is designed in a casual manner, with soft lines and layers, which stimulates creativity and encourages relaxation, play and integration. The link between these two worlds is the central part of the building, built on a distinctive arch, which connects the school's most important social functions.
"Influential School" - interior
© Agata Walczykowska and Krystian Brynda
The design takes into account the needs of the youngest users/users. Growing problems of over-stimulation and difficulty in concentration have found their solution in the architecture of the building. Quiet zones, areas with varying degrees of sensory stimulation, and appropriately selected lighting, support the balanced development of children.
"Influential School" - classroom
© Agata Walczykowska and Krystian Brynda
From an early age, children learn to perceive the world through the prism of space, which is the foundation of their development. The structure of the space in the school's design promotes the building of appropriate relationships between learning and play, which facilitates concentration on lessons and allows for creative leisure activities outside the classroom.
"Influential School" - elevations
© Agata Walczykowska and Krystian Brynda
The category "Cubic for the individual" - Wiktoria Wróbel and "House on the Hill".
The winner in this category was a project by Wiktoria Wróbel, entitled "House on the Hill." It was inspired by the landscape of Suwalszczyzna, especially the area around Lake Wigry, where the building was located. The designed building combines residential functions with space for creative work, which meets the needs of contemporary freelancers/freelancers and artists/artists.
"House on the Hill" - visualization
© Wiktoria Wróbel
The building consists of two levels: the lower level, integrated with the natural terrain, and the upper level, clearly emphasizing contact with the environment thanks to large glazing. The lump of the building seems to meld with its surroundings, making it compatible with the idea of sustainable architecture. The design incorporates glazing that emphasizes the beauty of Suwalki's landscapes, and the central place in its interior is occupied by a tree, which connects the building's users with nature, emphasizing the variability of the environment depending on the season.
"House on the Hill" - cross-section
© Wiktoria Wróbel
The project was recognized for its subtle harmony between human needs and the value of nature, making it a model in the field of architecture integrated with the landscape.
"House on the Hill" - visualization
© Wiktoria Wróbel
Audience award - Mateusz Zawadzki and "School-town".
The audience award went to Mateusz Zawadzki for his "School-town" project . The author approached the theme of the school in an unconventional way, treating it as a space similar to a small town, where children can freely explore different corners.
"School-town" - visualization
© Mateusz Zawadzki
The project includes different zones - for learning, play, relaxation and social gatherings, and the staircases and facades were designed to bring to mind colorful buildings in seaside towns. Interiors made of natural materials improve acoustics and create a warm atmosphere. The project was recognized for its innovative approach to educational architecture, which responds to the needs of children while inspiring them to explore and be creative.
"School-town" - interior
© Mateusz Zawadzki
The Mies+ 2024 plebiscite showed that young architects and young architects can combine creativity with sensitivity to the needs of users/users and the context of a place. Congratulations to all the winners and prizewinners!
"School-town" - visualization
© Mateusz Zawadzki
