In the very center of Warsaw, in the shadow of the Sejm and embassies, is Jazdów - a settlement of Finnish houses that has survived decades as a unique part of the city. The graduation project by Julia Arcyz, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, is a modern and personal vision of revitalizing this space - respecting its history, social character and emotional significance.
The author's project My Jazdów is a proposal for an empathetic and responsible revitalization of the area. The main idea of the work was to create a space that does not forget the past, but consciously opens to the future - taking into account the needs of the residents, the historical context and the social significance of the place. The project not only refers to the heritage of the place, but also to the author's personal experience - house No. 10/8 belonged to her family, and it was this building that became the starting point for the concept treating space as a carrier of memory.
space that tells stories
The design process was based on a solid research foundation - Julia Arcyz conducted field analyses, author research walks and interviews with residents. The collection of personal accounts, archival materials and observations made it possible to create a project deeply rooted in the realities of the place. As a result, "My Yazdów" becomes not only a design document, but also a reflection on identity and the role of architecture as a tool for social empathy.
A number of spatial interventions appear in the concept - from the revitalization of common spaces, to the creation of a "Path of Memories," a community garden and a workshop conservatory, to places for local community integration with a hearth and lounge space. Some of the activities are also therapeutic and natural - such as the restoration of mud baths and rain gardens for micro-retention of water.
revitalization based on care and shared responsibility
The project includes a number of pro-environmental and social solutions. Of particular note is the thoughtful adaptation of the space for various users: people with disabilities, seniors, families with children and cyclists. The designed infrastructure - including small architecture, lighting and signage - serves not only functionality, but also local community building.
A special role in the project is played by the space of the former Ujazdowski Hospital, which is gaining new functions as a zone for educational and cultural activities. Opening this space for social activities is expected to strengthen local identity, build interpersonal relations and promote a culture of co-creation.
Julia Arcyz emphasizes that designing a space is a process that begins with listening. Her approach to architecture is humanistic and reflective - it does not involve revolution, but rather the slow, careful shaping of a place in accordance with its history, atmosphere and the real needs of its users.
architecture as a carrier of experience
My Yazdów is a project that not only respects the past, but also gives it new life. In the spirit of sustainability and shared responsibility, it shows that revitalization does not have to mean radical change, but can be a process of caring, empathy and rebuilding relationships. Julia Arcyz's work is not only a spatial vision, but a manifesto about how architecture can be close to people - their memories, emotions and daily experiences.
Thanks to her professional experience in Milan and her work in the creative industry as an art designer, the author is able to combine spatial sensitivity with narrative thinking. Her project is an example of a modern approach to design that builds not only places, but also stories - open to dialogue, co-creation and the future.
