HAJDÁK, A. Městské stíny [online]. Brno: Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta architektury. 2025.
It is with great pleasure that I award the highest grade for this project on the Warsaw West train station and its surroundings, presented as a case study of contemporary urbanization in the context of urban ecology. This work stands out not only for its thorough development of the topic but, above all, for the originality of its approach and the depth of reflection on the challenges facing today’s cities. Adam Hajdak demonstrated exceptional engagement throughout the entire time he spent at the Inclusive Housing Studio. He has been highly engaged in the preparation of the Student Quarter: Plac Defilad exhibition in Warsaw, even during his diploma semester. His two exhibited projects were very well received by the audience. He was very gaged during field research, in the theoretical analysis, as well as design process. His active participation in class, insightful questions, and the ability to creatively combine knowledge from various fields (urban planning, ecology, history, sociology) deserve special recognition. The work is clearly interdisciplinary in nature, which testifies to the intellectual maturity of the author and his capacity for critical thinking. The topic—urban wilderness as a potential rather than an obstacle to urban development—was approached in a highly innovative manner. Adam Hajdak not only described a specific phenomenon but also subjected it to an in-depth analysis based on contemporary urban theories, including the concept of the “fourth nature.” The ability to recognize ecological value in areas typically considered as wastelands, as well as the reflection on alternative spatial development scenarios, demonstrates not only a high academic level but also social sensitivity. The project is also well-grounded in both historical and spatial context. Author showed knowledge of the transformation of post-industrial areas and their influence on the structure and identity of the city. It is also to the student’s credit that they posed important questions about the limits of human intervention in urban environments and the possibilities for sustainable future urban planning. In conclusion, this work represents the highest academic standard, distinguished by originality, a solid theoretical foundation, and social responsibility. It serves as an exemplary illustration of how architecture and urban planning can be tools not only for the transformation of physical space but also for dialogue with nature and history.
| Kritérium | Známka | Body | Slovní hodnocení |
|---|---|---|---|
| Přístup studenta ke zpracování | A | It is with great pleasure that I award the highest grade for this project on the Warsaw West train station and its surroundings, presented as a case study of contemporary urbanization in the context of urban ecology. This work stands out not only for its thorough development of the topic but, above all, for the originality of its approach and the depth of reflection on the challenges facing today’s cities. Adam Hajdak demonstrated exceptional engagement throughout the entire time he spent at the Inclusive Housing Studio. He has been highly engaged in the preparation of the Student Quarter: Plac Defilad exhibition in Warsaw, even during his diploma semester. His two exhibited projects were very well received by the audience. He was very gaged during field research, in the theoretical analysis, as well as design process. His active participation in class, insightful questions, and the ability to creatively combine knowledge from various fields (urban planning, ecology, history, sociology) deserve special recognition. The work is clearly interdisciplinary in nature, which testifies to the intellectual maturity of the author and his capacity for critical thinking. The topic—urban wilderness as a potential rather than an obstacle to urban development—was approached in a highly innovative manner. Adam Hajdak not only described a specific phenomenon but also subjected it to an in-depth analysis based on contemporary urban theories, including the concept of the “fourth nature.” The ability to recognize ecological value in areas typically considered as wastelands, as well as the reflection on alternative spatial development scenarios, demonstrates not only a high academic level but also social sensitivity. The project is also well-grounded in both historical and spatial context. Author showed knowledge of the transformation of post-industrial areas and their influence on the structure and identity of the city. It is also to the student’s credit that they posed important questions about the limits of human intervention in urban environments and the possibilities for sustainable future urban planning. In conclusion, this work represents the highest academic standard, distinguished by originality, a solid theoretical foundation, and social responsibility. It serves as an exemplary illustration of how architecture and urban planning can be tools not only for the transformation of physical space but also for dialogue with nature and history. |
I rate this project with an excellent mark with no hesitation. This project stands out thanks to its architectural quality and clear thinking. Adam presents a well-developed and thoughtful response to a very complex site. Instead of erasing what’s already there, he carefully analyses the site’s history, its current wild character, and the ecological systems that have developed over time. The result is a coherent and advanced design — strong both in terms of urban planning and architectural detailing. You can clearly see this in the residential layouts. They’re not only well-considered but also beautifully drawn and presented with great skill. The variety of building types and how cleverly they’ve been used really show Adam’s architectural maturity and creativity. The elevations match the floor plans perfectly, and the whole composition gives a sense of precision and refinement. One of the project’s strengths is the large-scale urban analysis, which places the site in a wider city context. There’s a clear understanding of how this location connects to the rest of Warsaw. The proposed pedestrian and cycling links are sensitive and logical, and the mapping of green areas and ecosystems shows real awareness of the site’s ecological value. It’s also good to see that blue-green infrastructure has been consciously included in the design. Another strong element is the adaptive reuse of the existing industrial building. Turning it into a workshop and warehouse is a convincing and functional solution, based on circular economy principles. It’s not overdone — it’s simple, clear, and makes a strong argument for reusing and transforming rather than demolishing. The idea of converting the gasometer into a hydroponic farm is especially striking — it’s an innovative move that fits the character of the structure perfectly and offers a relevant solution for a tricky industrial leftover. While the urban side of the project may not reach the same level of excellence as the architectural parts, it’s still generally well-resolved. The overall layout works, and there’s constant attention to the relationship between people, nature, and infrastructure. One question that remains open is the relatively low density of the new buildings — especially given that the site is located right next to one of Warsaw’s main transport hubs. It might be worth reconsidering how scale and functionality could be adapted to make better use of the site’s potential. Overall, this is a thoughtful and well-executed diploma project, both technically and conceptually. It combines ecological sensitivity with strong architectural thinking, and it avoids falling into predictable patterns. Instead, it offers real, site-specific solutions and suggests a fresh and intelligent way of living alongside nature. The work clearly demonstrates Adam’s design skills and awareness of wider social and environmental issues. I fully recommend it for defense.
eVSKP id 167707