Design Educates Awards 2022

Idea - The idea of the project was born while visiting the place. The direct inspiration was a postglacial stone lying on the shore in the thickets. Its form, location and symbolism gave rise to reflections, searches and references to the symbolic sphere. Erathics boulders are scattered and, in this part of Europe, they draw a map of the extent of glaciation. Their highest density occurs in the Warsaw region. They are the witnesses of natural processes, natural exhibits sharing tales about the distant places they have come from. The form of the designed landscape follows the idea of errare. It interprets the shape of river tides and its shoals. They bring to mind the processes of displacement and migration, instilled by the form of a stone, referring, however, to a different time and spatial horizon. The paths refers to the current of the river, and the elements of land development refer to the materials collected and following its course. The pavilion form constitutes the Erathic interpretation, giving it the rank of a sculpture that hides the caring space in its interior. The hollow interior of the stone refers to the archetype of a shelter. Natural migration landscape - The clearing on the river bank complements and continues the ideas related to movement and migration in nature. It is naturalistic space for spending time and play. The layout of the paths is a visual interpretation of the forces shaping the river current, forming the unique landscape of the Vistula in this part of its course. Parts of the clearings inspired by shoals are filled with various elements that allow, on the one hand, to provide a place for necessary activities, and at the same time refer to the role of the river in the entire ecosystem. With its form and content, the glade creates a landscape that tells about the genesis and identity of the place. Values of the project - The project was carried out to create a place of communing with nature. It educates according to the principle of meeting – explanation – exhibition – observation. The very space of the pavilion and the clearing is an exhibition that allows the observer to become sensitive to what is present in the surrounding landscape. The project educates about nature and carries the idea of ecological building. The building does not interfere with the terrain, it is founded on a slab, thus not changing the soil structure and water conditions. It is made in low-tech technology in the form of a raw concrete structure. It protects against noise from the nearby railway line and stabilizes the temperature in the facility. The paths and all hardened surfaces are permeable. Designing is maintained in the spirit of minimal interference with the natural space. Looking at the place is the basis for finding the spatial code which, interpreted in the design, allows you to complete the space without disturbing its landscape identity.