KUSNIERZOVÁ, T. Semínka poznání: Mateřská škola a mezigenerační vzdělávací centrum zaměřené na pěstování plodin ve městech [online]. Brno: Vysoké učení technické v Brně. Fakulta architektury. 2025.
From the beginning, the assumption of the project was to provide intuitively accessible space for children and elderly, taking into account the needs of these two groups, allowing them both to integrate and separate from each other spatially. This goal has been achieved thanks to provision of 3 differentiated courtyards composed of the historical and new buildings, with a diverse offer of infrastructure for activities. We’ve been happy to see that Tereza decided to finally leave her comfort zone as she is rather used to quite conservative design moves in terms of architectural form and aesthetics. We encourage her to, instead of using the already common and boring style of minimalistic pitched-roof “modern barns”, analyze the shape of roofs, windows, proportion and details of the existing Petichatky and correspond with them. Pitched roofs of different shape, slope and eave and diverse facade articulations stand out and make it easier for the user of special needs to identify the buildings and their purpose. With a limited palette of low-rise, similar scale buildings, the author managed to create a true diversity, adequate to specific functions. Not only the architectural design itself is characterized by high quality but also the form of representation, including plans, collages, schemes - they’re all clear and attractive. The adaptation of the existing structures to the needs of persons with disabilities has been challenging and required a lot of work from the student. I am happy that she succeeded with those solutions as my own mobility is currently limited and by myself I can see how important it is to make architecture accessible to everyone, especially those using wheelchairs or strollers. Regarding accessibility, I would like to see more adapted urban furniture like comfortable and safe benches which would be very important. In the meantime, the elements of other small architecture are well solved - for instance a round walkway pergola, that reminds of my grandfather who used to walk the same path around the garden everyday, after losing his sight. To sum up, Tereza is a committed, well-organized and talented student with in-depth understanding of social problems and her master thesis proves it. She demonstrated her ambition and dedication not only in this particular project. Her other design of student housing has been presented at an exhibition in Warsaw Zodiak architecture pavilion this March, which she actively co-organized. While working on the exhibition in Warsaw, she made an effort to conduct diploma site visits to several multigenerational centers, make interviews with the architects, managers and users. It’s been a pleasure to collaborate with you, Tereza, good luck! Grade A (100)
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| Přístup studenta ke zpracování | A | Tereza Kusnierzova is an exceptionally dedicated student who approaches every task with seriousness, deep engagement, and a research-driven mindset. She consistently demonstrates her ability to conduct both critical analysis and complex design work. Her approach to the master’s diploma project was no exception. Her chosen project location derived from the analysis of the neglected megaplot next to Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West) train station. The analytical part has resulted in a masterplan, integrating new high-density housing with a great attention to existing urban wild greenery in the interior of the plot, creating a 4th nature park with a forest-like alley in the middle of the city. This wouldn’t be an intuitive decision of a developer in such a central location. The author however, opposed the market tendencies and offered, together with new buildings, a necessary green space of respite in the fast developing area. Such an approach of mapping, protecting and implementing existing ecosystems into new developments should become a norm. As her main master thesis topic, Tereza decided to focus on a part of the area with the five existing former railway workers' houses (Wolske Petichatky). In opposition to railway company's plan to sell them out and privatize, she proposes adaptation and expansion of the complex for the purpose of a public multigenerational center, composed of the kindergarten, senior housing, and communal functions allowing integration of the generations. Because of the green context, environmental education, including community gardens, greenhouses and workshops became an important part of the “Seeds of knowledge” project. Such a complex is a reasonable, socially important addition to the masterplan and suits really well the scale of the existing buildings and hidden yet well-connected and accessible location. It is worth emphasizing that the architectural project of the center is based not only on the adaptive reuse of the existing but also a set of diverse yet coherent, visually and functionally attractive new buildings and public spaces. Preparing for the design phase, the student has familiarized herself with the various forms of kindergarten education, including those focused on nature and implemented the methods in her project. The final architectural design has been preceded with a decision process with many proposals discussed and analyzed together with the tutors (me and co-tutor, Kacper Kępiński) on a partnership basis in a mature and creative atmosphere. Being a client, I would be happy to work with such an architect as Tereza. |
Verbal evaluation of work: Teresa Kusnierzová’s thesis addresses a precisely defined problem, providing explanations, reviewing the most common solutions, and an extensive architectural proposal. Tereza Kusnierzová has made a compelling case for creating green spaces and urban gardens. These spaces ensure children learn to live healthily and interact with the environment. Tereza's proposal is clear: we should use abandoned or underutilized urban spaces and maintain existing green spaces by applying. She suggests adapting these spaces into a kindergarten with a community center for intergenerational interaction. Urban gardening is the key to promoting a healthy lifestyle, enhancing social contacts, and counteracting suburbanization. The thesis identifies the types of urban gardening and stabilization methods for leveling soil toxicity. Teresa Kusnierzová gives examples of alternative kindergartens. These kindergartens provide classes for children based on conscious consumption and interaction with nature. Teresa analyzed existing cultural centers in Warsaw. It was determined that these centers do not work with the relevant topics and that it is not possible to provide this in the existing urban network. I would encourage providing some examples of Warsaw’s urban collective gardening in this part. The project's location is appropriate: the author proposes revitalizing an abandoned green area with existing buildings. The proposal to create courtyards by adding new buildings on the railroad side is obvious, although not entirely justified. For example, we can use protective screens to reduce railway noise and create cozy courtyards without increasing the building area. At the expense of a biologically active surface, the need for which and its value is much better justified in the thesis. New construction must comply with the city's development plans and priorities. I also recommend adding a traffic and pedestrian connection scheme, making it impossible to assess traffic and pedestrian flow intensity and justify the location of each proposed function on the site. The author presented a good volumetric and spatial solution for developing the site. There are landmarks, accents, and new buildings that maintain the style and height of the existing buildings. I suggest indicating a percentage of biologically active surfaces in the project's area. If necessary, it is possible to leave passages between buildings, open areas in front of building entrances, and playgrounds for appropriate activities in the yard because the project's priority is to maximize the preservation, care, and protection of green spaces. There is too much open, unshaded surface. I recommend adding more trees for shade, especially in recreational areas near benches and playgrounds. Also, suggest explaining the function of the railways in the plan. The layout of the existing and new buildings is well thought out: daycare, canteen and housing; shared coliving and housing for couples. However, it is necessary to ensure accessibility to all rooms in the buildings and emergency stairs in the library. Overall, the project is quite comprehensive and addresses many socially important tasks, from providing social housing for the elderly and intergenerational integration to protecting existing green spaces to environmental education. The project deserves a grade of B – Very good.
eVSKP id 167710