Text description provided by the architects.
EUROPEAN PRIZE FOR URBAN PUBLIC SPACE 2012 / NOMINATIONGoclaw is the largest apartment block complex, built in Warsaw between 1975 and 1990. It is currently inhabited by more than fifty thousand people. In recent years neglected urban area in the central part of the complex was designated for the recreational park.
© Bartek Makowski
The area was what remained of an old construction site with piles of garbage and concrete waste. The rubble surrounded an artificial water reservoir. It was ironically called “Balaton” by the local residents, as the Balaton lake in Hungary once was an popular holiday destination in Poland.The main goal of this intervention was the creation of an recreational park opened to the public.
© Bartek Makowski
On all stages of the design and development process, public consultations with the community were made. A survey was carried out by the local administration. Results of that survey ware the basis of a list of features and functions of the future park prepared for the open architectural competition. In the selected design the architectural studio followed several rules: – Reintroduction of diversified vegetation, which would allow the ecosystem to be restored.
© Bartek Makowski
– Sustaining the different natural ambiance of different parts of park. Separating them with blurred boundaries and using them for different forms of recreation and rest. – Following an aesthetic concept of the studio, drawed for this project from the distinct street culture of Polish tower block complexes. This youth subculture was an important cultural factor of the turn of the XXI century, from which the complexes derive their local identity.The basis for the vegetation was the existing foliage.
© Bartek Makowski
All planted plant types, were selected for their resilience to the difficult urban conditions. Both in terms of soil and climate. To maintain the natural character of the park, most of the walkways were left graveled but unpaved. A glass pavilion was build on the northern shore, and designated for a café.
© Bartek Makowski
The pavilion was created for all-year usage. The design integrates with its natural surrounding with Siberian larch lower siding and turf roof. In this pavilion are also located public lavatories for the park. One of the unique attraction of the park is a specially designed, interactive water cascade. By turning the huge colorful valve handles, one can change the way water falls between moving parts.At every stage of the design and development process, extensive public consultation were carried out.
© Bartek Makowski
This valuable input and cooperation contributed to a full acceptance of the park modernization project by the local community. The shared commitment of the administration, designers and residents, enabled the creation of this exceptional public space. The park is now the most popular park in Goclaw, strengthening the sense of community in the district..
© Bartek Makowski
Park on the Balaton Lake Gallery