Can the space of a university campus be a place of leisure for students? In a project by Dominika Górska of Wydział Sztuk Pięknych Uniwersytetu Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu, the area between the university buildings went from being a corridor for getting to classes to a space for studying, relaxing and meeting together.
Dominika Górka, a student of interior design, as part of her "Activities in Space" course, designed a concept for the development of space for those studying at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń on campus.
Space for people studying at the UMK campus
designed by Dominika Górska
Relaxation between university buildings?
The student's project covered an area of about 36 x 40 meters located between the University Library of Toruń and the UMK Department of Chemistry. According to the study, the space could become a place of leisure for both students and the local community, where one can stop between classes, socialize or organize events, and thus: establish relationships.
The author paid attention to the needs of today's youth, who devote more and more time to leisure activities. The places they prefer are close to nature and full of greenery, shade and tranquility. Spending leisure time is also facilitated by additional attractions such as playgrounds or skateparks, as well as art-related facilities.
space for those studying at the UMK campus
designed by Dominika Górska
Studying together for exams? Practicing group presentations? A window between classes, or perhaps a coffee meeting to start the day? The space for those studying at UMK responds to these needs. On its premises, elements of nature are intertwined with utilitarian forms of unusual shapes. The author planned not only the predominance of lawns over concrete or plantings of trees and plants - the project also included a swimming pool. An interesting form was also taken by the seats on the area lined with stones, which by their shape resemble larger boulders.
Learning, meetings and outdoor events regardless of the weather
The project also did not lack a canopy, which partially covers the pool, making it possible to relax by the water even on hot days. Two types of stepped seating are planned nearby - one is a staircase in the form of perpendiculars climbing upwards, the other is a circle going deep into the ground. Characteristic of Dominika Gorska's design are the vivid colors of the objects, which attract the eye and give the space a relaxed, entertaining character.
Space for those studying on the UMK campus
proj.: Dominika Górska
In her design, Dominika Górska created a space that subtly transforms a section of the UMK campus, and at the same time can make a big difference in the daily lives of people studying there. In designing such spaces, the voice of a person from the group for which the project is dedicated is of particular importance. Thanks to him, the created objects have a chance to properly meet the needs of their potential users.
The work was created as part of the "Activities in Space" course, taught by Katarzyna Adaszewska, PhD, and UMK professor, Paweł Otwinowski, PhD.
