Elektrownia Powiśle
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
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Project Description
Elektrownia Powiśle is a historic complex converted to the retail, cultural, service, office, hotel and residential purposes. Premises of the former power plant were revitalized and transformed without losing their original character, with newly erected buildings and urban squares accessible to all fitting perfectly into the historic industrial landscape.
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
Elektrownia Powiśle is a historic complex converted to the cultural, service, office, residential and hotel purposes. Premises of the former power plant were revitalized and transformed without losing their original character, with newly erected buildings and urban squares accessible to all fitting perfectly into the historic industrial landscape.
The idea of the city’s first power plant, Elektrownia Powiśle, was born in 1904. Revitalization of such an important component of Warsaw’s urban fabric and a facility reflecting years of industrial architecture evolution required particular sensitivity to an array of contexts. The 12-year-long transformation process opened a new chapter in the history of the district. The site was returned to Warsaw’s inhabitants with full respect for historical value and uniqueness of its industrial buildings. New office and apartment buildings were erected next to over 100-year-old boiler house, engine room, caisson and switchroom. A hotel is now under construction, and the complex also comprises urban squares attracting visitors with their captivating view corridors. The boiler house’s amazing interior now houses retail units, and the engine room was converted into a food hall and event space.
The architects' work began in 2008, and the project's path was almost as complicated as the fate of this legendary place. Along with two changes of the owner, the project itself also evolved. The goal of creating a space for people with respect to historic buildings and original urban assumptions remained unchanged. The investment is located in an area under the strict care of the monument conservator. Elektrownia Powiśle offers the highest quality of retail (over 70 unique stores, beauty hall, and many restaurants incl. food hall), event, office, residential (for rent only) and hotel space.
Many environmentally friendly solutions were implemented in the project - it is certified in the BREEAM system.
Key objectives for sustainability
Both new and historic buildings are environmentally friendly, which is confirmed by the obtained BREEAM certificates. Thanks to the extensive knowledge of our experts in this field, we manager to get through this process efficiently. Contrary to appearances, it was not easy due to the conservation supervision: the historic power plant was not a building built with its current functions and aim to be enviromentally friendly.
Original historic elements and the legendary steel structure have been preserved. Many bricks were reused. Office buildings have green roofs. Many prop-tech solutions have been used, including super-fast charging stations for electric cars (supercharger). Where possible, appropriate insulation solutions were used. Convenient parking spaces for many bicycles and electric scooters were provided.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
In the past Powiśle power plant was a fenced-off area but since its re-opening the site has been integrated into the urban fabric. Its historic buildings were revitalized in close cooperation with the heritage conservator in order to maintain their original structures and façades by performing meticulous conservation and repair works, and replacing missing elements. Elevations of the new buildings are, on the other hand, a reinterpretation of a steel construction with brick or glass components, which adds to the coherent character of the whole complex.
As a result of our cooperation with investors, a project of a unique character was created. The area formerly inaccessible to the public – industrial, unattractive and polluted – has been holistically restored, adapted to the requirements of today’s world, open to Warsaw residents and torists. Old power plant, a pearl of pre-war industrial architecture, is the beating heart of the investment and its central part. The surrounding new buildings were thoughtfully introduced into the post-factory space. Between all parts of the project there are new communication routes and newly created squares. The planning solutions we have implemented seem obvious (nowadays - after realization of the project). However, they were our most difficult and demanding task during the design work. Originally a chaotic layout and shapes of buildings adapter to the railway traction formed to harmonize with the railroad for trains delivery coal, has undergone a comprehensive metamorphosis and adapted to the needs of a multi-functional project distinguished by a top-notch specification and unique design. A popular, friendly and exciting place has been created, which is bustling with life 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is also an attractive place for the tenants of its residential part.
Key objectives for inclusion
This urban concept combines both new and historic buildings. Their functional connection makes walking around easy and intuitive. Recreation of the original course of Elektryczna Street and accessible to all, well-thought-out squares, arcades and glazed passages create space for social meetings and various cultural and artistic events. Elektrownia Powiśle comprises private and semi-private spaces connected by urban squares filled with outdoor cafes, fountains, green areas and city vibe.
Results in relation to category
The area formerly inaccessible to the public – industrial, unattractive and polluted – has been holistically restored, adapted to the requirements of today’s world, open to Warsaw residents and tourists.
A true lifestyle destination has been created within the walls of the former power plant. The office part of the project is very popular among its tenants. The squares open to people and the publicly available space (including event areas and relaxation zones) inside the buildings are an ideal example of the fact that it is worth to follow this direction in design and real estate development and provide appropriate conditions for socialization of the people. It is also a trendy place to live (residential part), located in one of the most attractive and prestigious neighborhoods in Warsaw.
Despite the historic nature of the investment and the resulting limitations, many modern and sustainable solutions have been applied. Thanks to the efforts of architects and investors, a project friendly to both the environment and people was created.
How Citizens benefit
A true lifestyle destination has been created within the walls of the former power plant. People willingly and often visit the retail, gastronomic (food hall and restaurants), beauty (beauty hall) parts and attend many events at Elektrownia Powiśle. It is also a place for numerous spontaneous meetings, the true cultural heart of this part of Warsaw
The office part of the project is very popular among its tenants (stands out due to its quality, comfort and proxmitiy to other parts of the project). It is also a trendy place to live (residential part), located in one of the most attractive and prestigious neighborhoods in Warsaw.
For over a hundred years, no one thought that this industrial and polluted place would become a living, environmentally and people-friendly place. Elektrownia Powiśle has changed the entire neighborhood, which has become a place that is a pleasure to visit and live in. Nowadays, no one wonders what would happen if this place did not exist. The multifunctional project seems to be a place whose doors have always been open to Warsaw residents.
Innovative character
For over a hundred years, no one thought that this industrial and polluted place would become a living, environmentally and people-friendly place. Elektrownia Powiśle has changed the entire neighborhood, which has become a place that is a pleasure to visit and live in. The decaying building, which survived a lot and was severely damaged during the Second World War, was successfully brought back to life in a completely new function, friendly to people and environment.
This is an example of an innovative approach to buildings with a turbulent history, which proves that saving and bringing them back to life makes sense. It is an example of skillfull change of functions and implementation of the modern solutions (including "green" solutions") with respect for the historical architecture and heritage of the place. The implementation of the design ideas allowed to create a place with a unique character, which is liked by its inhabitants, neighbors and tourists.
Moreover, through architecture - in Elektrownia Powiśle - good conditions for a proper balance of professional activity and private life were created.
