Jaworznickie Planty water playground

Basic information

Project Title

Full project title

The part of "Jaworznickie Planty" with water playground

Project Description

Project Region

Tychy, Poland

EU Programme or fund

Description of the project

Summary

The project included designing of water playground with public greeneries land at the former coal mine terrains. The plan sets up a group of rounded plazas merging with greenery and connected with streams flowing down to the central part. The water playground is situated in the focal point, surrended by green hills. It is recessed regard to the sorrounding alleys level. It makes a comfortable situation for little users, not being visible to walkers from the main alley. Playground is entwined with shallow stream, acting as footbath pool. Floors pattern refers to sprilling water and makes a background for colorful water toys. Around the water playground there are benches and seats for parents. That helps them taking care for their playing children. A technical building with toilets is hidden inside one of the green hills alongside the main alley. Unusual shapes of curved benches create a green and quiet places, perfect for a resting, meeting with friends and looking at the sky laying on the hanging nets. Carefully designed greenery, rustling grass, colorful bushes and flower meadow complete the whole project. The plan assumed keeping a previous trees localization in the south part. Now, these trees make a balmy, cold shadow in the sizzling hot days. Rounded plazas, due of its form, make a comfortable and cosy exteriors, coax walkers to integrate, by its harmonious and consistent plan.

Architects: RS+ Robert Skitek
Investor: Jaworzno Municipality
Location: Jaworzno
Area: 6900m2
Building area: 114m2
Design: 2015
Completed: 2018

Author: arch. Robert Skitek
Cooperation: arch. Jakub Zygmunt, arch. Jarosław Zieliński, arch. Martyna Lenart-Zygmunt, stud. arch. Wojciech Zientek
Structure: Lechprojekt, Marta Weszke, Leszek Weszke, Piotr Weszke
Water tech.: RBB Baseny, Anna Terentjew
Planting plan: Ekosystem-Pracowania Architektury Krajobrazu, Łukasz Bielawski
Photographs: Tomasz Zakrzewski http://archifolio.pl/

Key objectives for sustainability

The goal was to manage water rationally, minimize paved surfaces from which rainwater must be drained, and create a natural microclimate. Water circulates in a closed circuit.
We place great emphasis on planting various plant species that make up the natural ecosystem. A natural habitat has been built for many insects and small organisms. The adopted solutions, such as a large share of greenery and accompanying water, allowed for the creation of a good microclimate. In addition, the existing tall trees that we have adapted provide shade on hot days. The structural surfaces are made of materials that allow water to penetrate the ground. The elements of small architecture and the facade of the building are finished with wood, which is a natural material and fits well with the natural character of the place. A technical building and toilets are hidden in the hill. The building is covered with a green roof that gently slopes down and connects to the terrain. Only the entrance facade reveals that the building stands there. In the evenings, the soft forms are emphasized by LED lighting.

Key objectives for aesthetics and quality

The main goal of the spatial composition was to shape the terrain in such a way that the visitors to the water playground were not visible to outsiders who did not use its attractions. In addition, we wanted to create a natural, green enclave - a place of tranquility from the surrounding city noise.

The assumption is accompanied by natural soft forms and hills.
Small squares and paths with streams surrounded by lush and varied fragrant greenery. The main playground is lowered and shaded by green hills surrounded by wooden benches. Its water character is emphasized by the characteristic pattern of the floor referring to the splash of water.
In the evening hours, the geometry of the entire facility is emphasized by illumination.

Key objectives for inclusion

The goal was to integrate all user groups.
All elements of the development were designed without architectural obstacle.
We do not zone. The functions were mixed in such a way that the area was attractive for young and old people, that everyone could find a place for themselves and feel good here next to each other.
Diverse places to sit - most of them wooden seats with backrests of various proportions, a lying net for young people.

Results in relation to category

Nature (green) is an integral part of this project.
The built forms were taken from soft shapes occurring naturally in nature.
The serving building has been fully integrated with the artificially shaped, but natural landscape. It is one of the hills surrounding the central part of the park from the hustle and bustle of the outside, and its lush green roof does not differ from terrain elevations.
The project was created respecting the existing greenery. Some of the trees originally located in the planned area were adapted. The existing and designed greenery is intertwined with the designed forms of small architecture and green alleys.

How Citizens benefit

The order and its scope did not depend on the designers. During the design work, arrangements were made only with officials.
This project is part of a larger project to restore the post-mining areas in the city center to residents. Unfortunately, we do not know if social participation took place at this stage.

Innovative character

The main innovation is not the form or greenery used (after all, it is a kind of park). It is also not about water-permeable paths and squares.
First of all, we have created a place for the young and the elderly to spend time together. We do not zone. Yes, there are places a bit calmer and full of bustle. But all of them are intended for all users - elderly people are in a common space with young children. Some age groups mix and integrate with others - it is an intergenerational space.