Świnoujscie 2+
Basic information
Project Title
Świnoujscie 2+
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
In our urban design project for Swinoujscie, we focused on addressing the city's cyclical tourism patterns and the long-term impact of rising sea levels due to its coastal location.We focus on two areas: the harbor-adjacent park and the spa zone, which are relevant to hotels and beaches. The southern island, Świnoujscie Karsibor, faces more severe flooding. We explore the interplay between nature and human intervention, blurring the lines between architecture and the environment.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Świnoujscie, Poland
Urban or rural issues
It addresses urban-rural linkages
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
In our urban design project we had to take into account the whole city of Swinoujscie, not just the plot of land that was part of the brief for the studio. We had to decide the framework of the solution ourselves. Due to its spa and tourist nature, the city experiences a strong cyclical change during the year. There is an overflow of tourists in the summer months, while the rest of the year the tourist area of Swinoujscie is empty.
Key objectives for sustainability
Our project delves into the realm of sustainability, specifically focusing on environmental preservation within the nature reserve on Karsibor Island. Our strategy involves implementing natural interventions to safeguard the area. For instance, we transport excavated soil from canal digging to construct protective mounds in designated regions. This eco-centric approach extends to the tourist beach area, where our emphasis on sustainability is twofold: ecological resilience and economic fortification for the town.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
Our project is a response to the imminent risk facing a cherished tourist attraction area, balancing of either disappearing or undergoing substantial changes that could severely restrict its usage. In light of this, our proposal introduces a transformative concept: the creation of a bay complemented by a new beach. The core objective is to recalibrate the area's character and appearance, envisioning a revitalized space that prioritizes a comfortable and enjoyable waterfront experience.
Key objectives for inclusion
Our project addresses a wider range of environments, from tourist-attractive beaches with hotels to a tiny fishing village. We address the environment for short and long term stays for all people. In the tourist area we are addressing the beach, which is the most important public space for the city, which we are saving and transforming into a diversified place for everyone who wants to spend time by the water. In the fishing village, we are trying to save the environment, not only for the economically weaker area compared to the tourist area, but also for the local fauna that could no longer live there after the flooding.
How Citizens benefit
We consider our project to be at an early concept stage, which can be further discussed and fleshed out with the locals. In the course of the project we had meetings with the municipality directly in Swinoujscie and the locals had the opportunity to comment on the project through the local newspaper. Later on we also held an exhibition opening in Swinoujscie, where locals and even tourists, who were attracted by the theme because of their interest in spending their holidays there, came together and commented on the project. The exhibition opening was also mediatized by the local TV station for a better chance to discuss the project further. To allow more people to comment on it, the opening was moved as an exhibition in Szczecin. The comments of the locals were useful because we had a chance to get to know the problems and important elements of the city better.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
Our project stands as a pioneering alternative in the realm of developing previously untouched urban areas. Prior to our presentation, the potential exacerbation of planned hotel development by sea level rise had not been considered. This revelation underscores the significance of our project, bringing to light a critical factor that was overlooked in the conventional development discourse.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The project combines theoretical and technical issues. We consulted mainly the theoretical significance and overlap for society and architectural theory with experts from Czech and Slovak universities. For a better elaboration of the technical part of the project we consulted experts from the Faculty of Science, who helped us mainly with understanding the local climate and also with the possibilities of planting different types of trees. The project combines natural sciences, climatology, engineering, design, architecture and an interest in the socio-economic environment.
Methodology used
Our approach to design is highly dependent on self-reflection and critical conversation. We try to discuss and question every aspect of the project within the studio until we collectively find a satisfactory or ideal solution. Teachers are also involved in the discussions, as well as insights gained from reading books, in our case mainly Rem Koolhaas, and knowledge gained from working with experts on the topics addressed.
How stakeholders are engaged
City councillors were involved in the design process, which would then potentially seek funding for the project. They allowed us to create a concept for the city with a scenario that they themselves had not yet dealt with. With the project, we were able to generate interest in the issue of the climate crisis, which could put the city in a difficult-to-use state.
Global challenges
In our comprehensive project, we seamlessly blend site-specific solutions with overarching principles designed for global applicability in coastal cities. A core aspect of our initiative involves addressing an array of challenges, offering adaptable solutions encompassing barriers, flood control measures, and the delicate integration of technical interventions within tourist attractions. Moreover, we extend our focus to the preservation of non-urbanized areas, providing a nuanced spectrum of approaches, ranging from practical considerations safeguarding these spaces to symbolic gestures highlighting their intrinsic value.
Learning transferred to other parties
Our project endeavors to offer not only site-specific resolutions but also universal principles applicable to coastal cities globally. We extend our focus beyond singular contexts, presenting versatile solutions for diverse challenges, ranging from barriers and flood defenses to technical interventions within the boundaries of tourist attractions. Importantly, our project delves into strategies for preserving non-urbanized areas, manifesting as pragmatic interventions in some instances and more symbolic gestures in others.
Keywords
Climate change
Rising water level
Tourism
Cyclical change
Coastline
