Public spaces in fast-developing Wola district of Warsaw - adaptive reuse in search for a local center

Abstract

The Wola district, situated on the western fringe of downtown Warsaw, stands as an unmistakable testament to the city’s evolution. It embodies a vibrant blend of its industrial past and contemporary urbanism. Once a vibrant industrial hub spurred by railroad construction and postwar reconstruction, Wola has metamorphosed into a dynamic landscape marked by towering skyscrapers and high-end residential enclaves. Despite this, there are clear echoes of its industrial legacy in the repurposed facades of former factories, now buzzing hubs of commercial and cultural activity. The diploma project’s focus is on the rejuvenation of Kercelak, a once bustling marketplace and square that thrived from 1867 to 1947. Kercelak has a rich historical significance. However, it has succumbed to the tide of gentrification, and as a result, its communal spaces are neglected amidst the surge of modern investments. The project will breathe new life into these abandoned public realms through adaptive reuse and thoughtful design interventions. It will foster community engagement and connectivity. The project will create inclusive and accessible public spaces that transcend the dominance of vehicular traffic and gentrified enclaves. It will seamlessly integrate historical legacies, post-war housing, and contemporary developments to forge a cohesive, functional, and visually continuous spatial continuum. The project will not only revitalize Kercelak but also foster a sense of belonging and cohesion among its diverse inhabitants.The Wola district, situated on the western fringe of downtown Warsaw, stands as an unmistakable testament to the city’s evolution. It embodies a vibrant blend of its industrial past and contemporary urbanism. Once a vibrant industrial hub spurred by railroad construction and postwar reconstruction, Wola has metamorphosed into a dynamic landscape marked by towering skyscrapers and high-end residential enclaves. Despite this, there are clear echoes of its industrial legacy in the repurposed facades of former factories, now buzzing hubs of commercial and cultural activity. The diploma project’s focus is on the rejuvenation of Kercelak, a once bustling marketplace and square that thrived from 1867 to 1947. Kercelak has a rich historical significance. However, it has succumbed to the tide of gentrification, and as a result, its communal spaces are neglected amidst the surge of modern investments. The project will breathe new life into these abandoned public realms through adaptive reuse and thoughtful design interventions. It will foster community engagement and connectivity. The project will create inclusive and accessible public spaces that transcend the dominance of vehicular traffic and gentrified enclaves. It will seamlessly integrate historical legacies, post-war housing, and contemporary developments to forge a cohesive, functional, and visually continuous spatial continuum. The project will not only revitalize Kercelak but also foster a sense of belonging and cohesion among its diverse inhabitants.