Reconnecting with nature
Public space at city lake
Public space at city lake - Development of the waterfront of Słupeckie Lake in Wielkopolska, Poland
The project gave this space back to the residents. Simple and well-balanced design solutions were to fit harmoniously into the landscape of the lake, making it possible to observe and experience nature from different perspectives. The waterfront became an attractive meeting place for residents, giving them a wide range of leisure activities. It was very important in this project to invite residents to the artificial post-peat lake through judicious management of resources, simplicity, legibility
Poland
Local
Slupca in Wielkopolska Region
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-04-30
No
No
No
As an individual
The project is in line with all three basic principles of the NEB - sustainability, inclusivity and aesthetics. The project was created in respect for the existing site - a post-peat artificial lake in the city of Slupca. The stated goal was to create a recreational space attractive for use, close to nature, using the most delicate design interventions possible. An additional important assumption of the project was to inscribe a variety of functions, scenarios of use in individual spatial objects. The performance stage resulting from the City's assumptions and public consultations took the form of a platform open to various activities. The facility is used several times a year as a performance stage, and on other days it is used as a space for outdoor yoga classes for a nearby yoga school or as a space for picnics for larger groups. Such solutions are definitely more sustainable - when multiple, varied use functions can be incorporated into a single spatial object.
In addition, the project is open to a variety of users - families with children, the elderly, teenagers and children. We have playgrounds, benches with backs, many platforms for sitting in groups and alone. We have a special space for group campfires, a boules court for the elderly and younger, and finally an outdoor swimming pool. This is the only place where people bathe, because the lake is a post-peat reservoir and separating the pool from the lake was the only economic option to create a swimming area for everyone.
And finally, aesthetics were very important - minimalist, delicate, not competing with nature, but submitting to it. The locations of the individual objects were chosen to take advantage of the existing potential, but also not to cut down trees and shrubs, of course. Therefore, the individual objects were placed in various locations where there was free space for them.
This project can show how to create attractive spaces for leisure activities in nature with respect for the place.
In addition, the project is open to a variety of users - families with children, the elderly, teenagers and children. We have playgrounds, benches with backs, many platforms for sitting in groups and alone. We have a special space for group campfires, a boules court for the elderly and younger, and finally an outdoor swimming pool. This is the only place where people bathe, because the lake is a post-peat reservoir and separating the pool from the lake was the only economic option to create a swimming area for everyone.
And finally, aesthetics were very important - minimalist, delicate, not competing with nature, but submitting to it. The locations of the individual objects were chosen to take advantage of the existing potential, but also not to cut down trees and shrubs, of course. Therefore, the individual objects were placed in various locations where there was free space for them.
This project can show how to create attractive spaces for leisure activities in nature with respect for the place.
as much as needed and nothing more
reconnecting with nature
minimalism
openness to a variety of scenarios and to a variety of users
minimal design interventions
The key goals of the project in terms of sustainable development are to minimize activities in this space. Achieving the intended goals developed together with the city and residents using the smallest, simplest solutions possible. So as to use as few materials as possible, but also to minimize the work of employees implementing this project.
During the project, I decided to give up several facilities, so as to further minimize the use of materials and interference in this space.
The goal and assumption of the city was to create a recreational space on the shores of Lake Słupeckie, my goal was to achieve this goal using the simplest possible activities and minimal interference with nature.
This project can show how to create attractive spaces for leisure activities in nature with respect for the place.
During the project, I decided to give up several facilities, so as to further minimize the use of materials and interference in this space.
The goal and assumption of the city was to create a recreational space on the shores of Lake Słupeckie, my goal was to achieve this goal using the simplest possible activities and minimal interference with nature.
This project can show how to create attractive spaces for leisure activities in nature with respect for the place.
The key goals of the project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people are to create an attractive and aesthetic space made of natural materials. So that this project is attractive both with visual stimuli and tactile stimuli.
The resulting space was very positively received by residents and city authorities. It has already received several awards in Poland for the best space in the region and in the whole of Poland. Which also contributed to the fact that the residents of Słupca are proud of this space. It is actually the only recreational space on such a scale in this city.
The resulting space was very positively received by residents and city authorities. It has already received several awards in Poland for the best space in the region and in the whole of Poland. Which also contributed to the fact that the residents of Słupca are proud of this space. It is actually the only recreational space on such a scale in this city.
The key goals of the project in terms of social inclusion are to create a space that is accessible and attractive to diverse users.
the project is open to a variety of users - families with children, the elderly, teenagers and children. We have playgrounds, benches with backs, many platforms for sitting in groups and alone. We have a special space for group campfires, a boules court for the elderly and younger, and finally an outdoor swimming pool. This is the only place where people bathe, because the lake is a post-peat reservoir and separating the pool from the lake was the only economic option to create a swimming area for everyone.
This project can show how to create attractive spaces for leisure activities in nature with respect for the place.
the project is open to a variety of users - families with children, the elderly, teenagers and children. We have playgrounds, benches with backs, many platforms for sitting in groups and alone. We have a special space for group campfires, a boules court for the elderly and younger, and finally an outdoor swimming pool. This is the only place where people bathe, because the lake is a post-peat reservoir and separating the pool from the lake was the only economic option to create a swimming area for everyone.
This project can show how to create attractive spaces for leisure activities in nature with respect for the place.
The city conducted consultations and workshops with residents. The project was also changed and analyzed during implementation. Some things were additionally added during finalization - such as more benches and easier access to the piers.
After the project was opened, I also conducted a walk for residents where I discussed individual solutions. The walk was co-organized by the National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, which selects several projects from smaller towns every year and co-organizes walks of designers with residents there. Thanks to this meeting with a large number of residents, I had the opportunity to hear very positive opinions from the target users of this space.
After the project was opened, I also conducted a walk for residents where I discussed individual solutions. The walk was co-organized by the National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning, which selects several projects from smaller towns every year and co-organizes walks of designers with residents there. Thanks to this meeting with a large number of residents, I had the opportunity to hear very positive opinions from the target users of this space.
The project was created at the local level. However, thanks to the project that had already been created, the city received support in a competition organized by the national authorities. The entire implementation cost the city 1,650,000 euros, of which 1,000,000 euros the city received support from the competition thanks to the existing project. Thanks to this, almost 2/3 of the costs were obtained from the national competition.
The project was discussed with ornithologists, among others, on the issue of bird habitats, which is why we moved the viewing platform on the historic Swedish Mound to a safe distance for birds after discussions with ornithologists. The viewing platform was moved back and reduced already at the implementation stage - after the conceptual stage, thanks to cooperation with ornithologists. Additional plantings were also discussed with planting specialists, so that all new plantings were from the family of plants already existing there, and did not require maintenance.
I think the main difference from similar projects is modesty, minimizing design activities. But what also distinguishes this project from others is the inclusion of different usage scenarios in individual objects, or even leaving them open to different scenarios. A perfect example is the stage, which was a mandatory object of this space (design guidelines). However, most often such objects as amphitheaters are used for a few/a dozen or so days a year, and the rest of the time they stand empty. In this project, I managed to convince everyone that the stage should be in the form of a terrace above the surface of the lake with electrical connections. When there is a cultural event, a small stage is set up, on other days this terrace is used by residents as a favorite picnic spot, and on weekends a nearby yoga school organizes classes there in the summer for a large number of people who probably would not fit in the school hall. This solution was very well received and this terrace is one of the most frequently used places by the lake.
After receiving the design brief, I also conducted research walks in the space, mapping, tracking, and counting. These observations helped refine the design brief. During the work, I also worked on many architectural models, looking for the best solutions for the space.
The project is strictly contextual and difficult to transfer to another place. But the methodology and process of this project can be used for other projects. I think that the principle that guided this project, to obtain the most attractive space connected to nature with the most delicate actions and interventions, will work very well in other projects. Also, the field research that preceded the environmental psychology project can be used in other projects.
The project primarily responds to the global need for access to attractive green areas near the place of residence. The location of the lake in the city itself is its great advantage. Another important aspect was to develop only a small part of the lake, so that other parts would be left more wild.
think that at this point I will use the jury's justifications for the two awards that this project received this year.
Main Prize in the category - Common Space - NAWW award:
"The jury awards the project "Słupeckie Piers - development of the Słupeckie Lake shore" for creating a high-quality public space through conscious and balanced design decisions. Simple, geometric forms of wooden piers harmoniously fit into the lake landscape, allowing observation of nature from new perspectives. The shore has become an attractive meeting place for residents, giving them a wide range of opportunities to spend their free time.
The jury appreciated in particular the reasonable management of funds, simplicity, readability and use of natural materials. Wooden elements will gain patina over time, which will further emphasize the coherence with nature."
Grand Prix Award in the "Public Space" category - Polish Urban Planners' Association in Poznań:
"The award was granted for the unique creation of a public space that stands out thanks to well-thought-out and balanced design decisions. The effect of these actions is a feeling of freshness and lightness. Simple geometric structures of wooden piers, partially referring in shape to the ring fortified settlement of the Lusatian culture, subtly fit into the lake landscape, opening up new possibilities for users to commune with nature. The waterfront has become an important point on the map of the local community, offering residents a space conducive to both relaxation and active recreation."
Main Prize in the category - Common Space - NAWW award:
"The jury awards the project "Słupeckie Piers - development of the Słupeckie Lake shore" for creating a high-quality public space through conscious and balanced design decisions. Simple, geometric forms of wooden piers harmoniously fit into the lake landscape, allowing observation of nature from new perspectives. The shore has become an attractive meeting place for residents, giving them a wide range of opportunities to spend their free time.
The jury appreciated in particular the reasonable management of funds, simplicity, readability and use of natural materials. Wooden elements will gain patina over time, which will further emphasize the coherence with nature."
Grand Prix Award in the "Public Space" category - Polish Urban Planners' Association in Poznań:
"The award was granted for the unique creation of a public space that stands out thanks to well-thought-out and balanced design decisions. The effect of these actions is a feeling of freshness and lightness. Simple geometric structures of wooden piers, partially referring in shape to the ring fortified settlement of the Lusatian culture, subtly fit into the lake landscape, opening up new possibilities for users to commune with nature. The waterfront has become an important point on the map of the local community, offering residents a space conducive to both relaxation and active recreation."
