What do modern cities need? Why is another lane of roadway not the right solution? Agata Kozlowska of Politechnika Łódzka has developed a concept for the revitalization of New Town on the Pilica River, in which instead of a roadway, trees will grow.
Agata Kozlowska's work is devoted to the transformation of urban space in Nowe Miasto nad Pilica in accordance with the idea of a "healthy city," referring to spa traditions. The author pays special attention to contemporary needs to reduce negative factors for health and well-being.
priority areas for implementation of tourism and spa functions
proj.: Agata Kozlowska
fewer cars, more bicycles
The main design assumptions concern the traffic system, functional and spatial structure, blue-green infrastructure and small architecture.
The author planned traffic calming in the city, especially on Warszawska Street. Reducing the width of the roadway is primarily aimed at lowering speeds and, consequently, reducing noise and stress levels. Thanks to the narrowing of the roadway, it was possible to supplement pedestrian routes with low and tall greenery. Its function is also to reduce noise, as well as to absorb harmful products of fuel combustion.
compositional analysis of the city
designer: Agata Kozlowska
Some of the streets have been turned into one-way streets to improve safety. Streets along the western and southern frontage of Tadeusz Kosciuszko Square have been transformed into a woonerf. Thanks to this procedure, the city center has a chance to revive, and this fosters the building of social ties and increases the comfort of living for residents.
The project also focuses on reducing car traffic in favor of bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Existing bicycle paths are connected in it. Tadeusz Kosciuszko Square retains its former function as a bus station, but is also transformed into a recreation area.
Densified development instead of urban sprawl
The structure of the development was complemented by a new development in the city center. The densification made it possible to authenticate the urban interior and create a compact frontage. Newly delineated pedestrian and roadways are enclosed by semi-detached, two-story buildings, which at the same time provide comfort and privacy for residents, as well as build neighborhood ties.
A cross-section showing the lay of the land of Nowe Miasto nad Pilica
proj.: Agata Kozłowska
This twin neighborhood will be equipped with an intimate Medical Spa complex . The solution draws on the spa traditions of New Town on the Pilica River from the 19th century. The facility is to offer medical, therapeutic and beauty treatments, including treatments such as historical milk baths.
This would not only allow to position the offer of the place in a very original way, to refer to local traditions, but also to strengthen local agriculture (dairy products should come from local farms, which will bring economic benefits to the city and the region). - explains the author.
Visualization of the concept of revitalization of the center of Nowe Miasto nad Pilica - view from the northern side
designed by Agata Kozlowska
On the other hand, a One Day SPA&Wellness service center was built at 1 Maja Street, offering short-term stays and services such as fitness, gymnastics, dance classes, dietary advice, salt caves, etc.
Another facility designed in the city is the new body of the bus station building at Tadeusz Kosciuszko Square, which will gain a semi-open space that will allow people to wait for the bus in the shade.
like spillway only retention
New Town on the Pilica River also gained new blue-green infrastructure elements in the project. A water reservoir with a bioretention fountain has been created in the city center. It not only collects rainwater, but, thanks to the noise of the fountain, has a soothing effect on passersby. Rain gardens with plants with high carbon dioxide absorption have also been created in the study area, and the walls of windowless buildings have also been greened.
analysis of the city's green structure
proj.: Agata Kozlowska
Through the proposed implementation measures, the city has an opportunity for economic development. The main role in this process is the activation of the health-promoting role as a reference to the spa functions, which, on the one hand, shaped its image and, on the other hand, were economically important city-forming factors
- adds the author.
Agata Kozłowska's project is another work from under the wings of Dr. Adriana Cieślak Arkuszewska - the concept for the revitalization of Wieluń was proposed by Rafał Purzyński, while Paulina Dębińska worked on the transformation of Poddębice.
