RECOVER THE BEAUTY OF MODERNISM

A significant asset of Stalowa Wola is its modernist architecture and the unique urban layout from the years 1937-39. Therefore, the goal of all undertaken project activities is to extract and preserve the most important values of this modernist center, as well as to find a new, contemporary function for the deteriorating buildings.

Residents, enthusiasts, and specialists and students from leading universities in Poland have joined the process of protecting the model city of the former Central Industrial District (COP). Architectural boards and models will present a wealth of ideas and proposals for improving the urban space of Stalowa Wola. The projects can serve as supporting material for the revitalization that has already begun. A city with such unique urban and architectural properties deserves special care and comprehensive urban actions.

Architectural and Design Workshops:

STALOWA WOLA – GARDEN CITY

May 15-17, 2014

During the workshops, preliminary concepts for the development of the square on Wolności Street in Stalowa Wola were created. Students collaborated with residents to present their vision of a modernist space in this location. Designers, based on residents’ suggestions, presented their concepts in a new proposed spatial form, along with proposals for small architecture, greenery, playgrounds, and spaces for youth, elderly, and disabled individuals.

CHANGING THE CITY

May 7-9, 2015

The aim of the workshops was to develop conceptual designs for the revitalization of G. Narutowicza Street – the main artery of the city, which once constituted its central point. In reference to the previous concepts for Plac Wolności, proposals were made for the revaluation of existing buildings, highlighting the urban and architectural values of the place, and designing new developments. To achieve the intended effects of the conceptual project, participants conducted a series of analyses: the current state of preservation, the functioning of communication systems, the development of greenery, historical analyses, and the current use of small architecture.

Participants included staff and students from the Faculty of Architecture at Wrocław University of Technology, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture at Lublin University of Technology, the E. Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław, the Landscape Architecture Department at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and the Faculty of Architecture at Rzeszów University of Technology.

Leading figures included architects, designers, and lecturers from these institutions: prof. dr. hab. inż. arch. E. Przesmycka, prof. szt. plast. G. Palowski, dr inż. arch. K. Boguszewska, dr inż. arch. N. Przesmycka, dr. inż. arch. Anna Sikora, mgr arch. E. Pol.

Social workshops with residents:

CHANGING THE CITY

May 7-9, 23, 2015

During a series of social workshops (“Creative Breakfasts,” “Design Thinking,” “Prototyping”), fragments of the pre-war districts of the city and existing recreational areas were analyzed. Participants in interdisciplinary teams co-created their ideas for the city. Numerous prototypes for public space solutions were designed, from which one was chosen by the residents as the most interesting: a city fountain with a recreational area for residents. The area near ul. 1-go Sierpnia was chosen as the best location for the fountain. Based on the preliminary prototype of the fountain, a professional architectural model was created.

Participants included residents of Stalowa Wola and participants of the architectural and design workshops (students from the Faculty of Architecture at Wrocław University of Technology, the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture at Lublin University of Technology, the E. Geppert Academy of Art and Design in Wrocław, the Landscape Architecture Department at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, and the Faculty of Architecture at Rzeszów University of Technology).

Leadership: Magdalena Wierzańska, Agnieszka Pisz, Viet Ngo The.

Organizers: Regional Museum in Stalowa Wola, Polish Academy of Sciences in Lublin

Scientific coordinator: prof. dr hab. inż. arch. Elżbieta Przesmycka

Project funded by the Minister of Culture and National Heritage.

EXHIBITION TIME: October 2 – December 30, 2016.

LOCATION: premises of the former Municipal Library, ul. Staszica 14.