Work submitted for the competition
"Best Interior Diploma 2021/2023".
Intergenerational integration has a significant impact on the social development of children and the well-being of seniors. As a society, we should attach more importance to this, especially at a time when multi-generational homes are disappearing and age groups are separating from each other. In Poland and around the world, many initiatives are being developed that aim to restore ties between the oldest and youngest members of the community, but there is still a lack of dedicated spaces for this purpose.
An ideal place for such a function is the building of the Motel on Lake Strzeszyńskie in Poznań. The area is known for its natural beauty, there is already infrastructure for recreation, a sculpture park (a collection of artworks by Polish artists), and the Stary Strzeszyn estate of single-family and row houses is located nearby.
interior of the restaurant
© Joanna Kulpa
The introduced design changes are supported by scientific research on intergenerational integration. In the theoretical part of the work, the history of the buildings is supplemented by an interview conducted with artist and curator Katarzyna Jankowiak-Gumna. It is thanks to the efforts of her and her husband that the Motel was saved from destruction and oblivion.
projection of the motel, first floor
© Joanna Kulpa
The design of the interiors of the Motel building in Strzeszynek and the seven timber-framed bungalows next to it assume the function of an integration center. Proposed changes to the interiors are aimed at raising the status of the complex and giving it a more aesthetic and contemporary look—while taking into account its history. The function of the cottages is being changed in response to the need to diversify the resort's offerings. The original glass facade of the main building is being restored.
Motel reception and communication
© Joanna Kulpa
The design of the Motel consists of thirteen rooms with bathrooms, an entrance hall that is also the reception and restaurant, restrooms, utility rooms and a common lounge. The adjacent building houses an art gallery, and the cottages are located successively: a kitchen, a cinema/theater, a gymnasium, toilets, a library, an art studio and a conference room.
interior of the common living room
© Joanna Kulpa
The return to the original architecture has forced some changes in the interior: the ceiling dividing the floors has been moved away from the glazing, creating a large mezzanine overlooking the grounds in front of the Motel. The poor condition of the bungalows and the need to modernize them means that they would have to be fully restored, so the changes being made are quite significant—in two of the bungalows mezzanines are created with different arrangements of stairs, and in the others the ceiling dividing the space disappears, a high space is created. The lumps of the buildings and their front elevations will remain the same.
floor plan of the cottages
© Joanna Kulpa
The function of intergenerational integration requires adapting the architecture of the buildings to the physical capabilities of children and the elderly. Based on the aforementioned research, materials, textures, colors and interior lighting were selected. The idea was to make the spaces of rooms and common areas cozy and warm. Older and younger users are to feel safe and at ease here, and moving around the facility is to be intuitive and efficient.
interior of the cottage—reading room
© Joanna Kulpa
The rooms refer to the surrounding nature—the selected materials, products and solutions are in line with the idea of sustainable design. Inspirations come from both archival hotel and restaurant designs and contemporary design. The new space is intended to be friendly and attractive to both age groups.
interior of the cottage—art studio
© Joanna Kulpa
The designed integration center in Strzeszynek combines social and cultural functions. Giving it a specific function corresponding to the needs of the local community will emphasize the uniqueness of the place and its role in the life of the residents of Poznan and the surrounding area. Modernist buildings from the 1960s and neighboring cottages located in the Poznan suburbs are a good backdrop for building new ties. Here, too, nature meets art, and the relationship is celebrated.
Conference house
© Joanna Kulpa
Joanna KULPA
Illustrations: © Author
