The ruins of a church, the glistening surface of a lake and cultural sites among the trees - such a romantic image was created by Aleksandra Bilacz of Politechnika Lubelska as part of the revitalization of the Loretto Ponds complex in Chodl, a master's thesis written under the supervision of Prof. Boguslaw Szmygin and Katarzyna Drobek. The work takes part in the "Best Diploma" competition organized by SARP Oddział Lublin.
The village of Chodel, where the study area is located, is located in the western part of the Lublin province. The author chose the Loretto Ponds complex, located in the southern part of the village, as the location of the project.
plan of the study area
proj.: Aleksandra Bilacz
The noticeable tourist potential of the area is due to its location near such centers as Kazimierz Dolny, Puławy, Nałęczów and Sandomierz. The village of Chodel itself is located within the Chodelski Obszar Chronionego Krajobrazu (Chodelski Protected Landscape Area), which was established to protect the diverse ecosystems in the area. Despite this, the area lacks organized green spaces. The author also noted the lack of cultural facilities or independent multipurpose halls in Chodel.
Based on an extensive analysis of the surrounding natural areas, development and local plans, the author created a project for the revitalization of the Loretto Ponds complex. On its territory she planned not only the subtle conservation of the ruins of the Jesuit church, but also the creation of new facilities: a museum, a center for creative activities and a restaurant. These will be accompanied by pavilions located in different parts of the development area, including a historical pavilion and a viewing tower. The project has been divided into three main zones: the sacred, the profane and the zone in between - the zone of transcendence.
Adaptation of the ruins into an atmospheric meeting place
The sacrum zone includes the ruins of the Jesuit church. Aleksandra Bilacz's project does not envisage conservation in the form of rebuilding the missing parts of the church, but making them accessible to visitors in an accessible form. That's why metal, openwork footbridges leading through the ruins on two levels have been planned inside the church. In the central part of the church ruins, an open space has been designed for events such as exhibitions, concerts, etc.
church ruins - visualization
designed by Aleksandra Bilacz
adaptation of the ruins - cross-section
design: Aleksandra Bilacz
The function of dialogue between the sacred and profane zones is performed by the museum, located in the central part of the development. It houses a permanent exhibition space dedicated to the history of the Jesuit order, as well as conference rooms. Most of the museum's space is below ground level, so it does not interfere with the natural landscape of the area.
museum - visualization
designed by Aleksandra Bilacz
museum - cross-sections
proj.: Aleksandra Bilacz
culture and nature combined into one project
The center for creative activities, located in the part of the development area closest to other development, is a two-story building. The floors correspond to the layout of the rising ground. On the lower one there is an open space for visitors with an information desk, and on the higher one there are administrative rooms. The author envisioned the center to host workshops, exhibitions and various other cultural events.
center for creative activities - visualization
designed by Aleksandra Bilacz
center for creative activities - cross section
design: Aleksandra Bilacz
Near the center for creative activities, a restaurant was designed, which also took care to connect with the natural landscape. Its building is partially integrated into the terrain, and the dining room is located at the water level of the lake located right next to it.
restaurant - visualization
proj.: Aleksandra Bilacz
In addition to the main buildings, the development site also included pavilions with individual functions. These objects are united by a minimalist form, not dominating the landscape. The pavilions, inscribed in natural paths and marked trails, provide a place of refuge and rest among the pond complex.
pavilions - visualization
designed by Aleksandra Bilacz
The first one on the side of the village allows you to learn about the history of the region, the next one accompanies the path of the sacred and in form resembles tree trunks, and the next two are viewpoints located in opposite parts of the complex. Near the ruins of the church, the author still designed a symbolic pavilion with a circular form, allowing for spiritual reflection, and deeper among the trees a sensory pavilion where all the senses can be stimulated.
pavilions - visualizations
designed by Aleksandra Bilacz
Aleksandra Bilacz's study is a comprehensive and in-depth proposal for a dialogue between architecture, natural environment and individual human experience. By combining care for the remains of the existing church building with concepts for subtle new buildings, the author has created a vision of the Loteran Ponds complex that is accessible to residents and tourists, yet still natural and wild.
