Architecture on the Edge of a City

Abstract

The topic concerns the revitalization of a place by the introduction of a new building whose functionality and architectural uniqueness renew and/or develop the place. To put the problem in a broader perspective - the introduction of a building with a non-threatening function and an attractive form makes a declining or stagnant place suddenly appealing again. This applies to both, the built and natural environment. The restauration of both often requires similar revitalization activities and supporting elements.The presented issue is a part of a broader study that concerns architecture as the fine art of building, covering the topic of sustainability in architectural and urban design. The so-called “human factor” is an essential element for shaping a place. It is an element of urban and architectural design of new places. By creating new and different workplaces in declining or stagnant districts, also by introducing unusual architectural forms or materiality, a place can become attractive to users. Previously declining built or natural environment - suddenly become a desirable, growing place. Contemporary international research conducted by neuroscientists confirms the importance of the desire for beauty in ones surroundings. Thus, architectural beauty becomes a vital and economically significant factor in the shaping of the built and natural environment.Present processes of revitalization are usually supported by emphasising elements that make up the “human factor”. It involves balancing the functionality and beauty of an object as important in creating a PLACE in architecture.The topic is presented on the example of architecture of the following buildings:-Gymnasium and Cultural Center in Białołęka, 2006 is located on the edge between urban and landscape areas, on the right bank of the Vistula escarpment. The architectural form reflects the natural landscape. Traditional materiality blends with the context nearly perfectly. -The small buildings of the Cultural Center, 2013, on the outskirts of Warsaw, create a contrast of geometry and materiality to the high-rise blocks of flats. In its shape and material there is a longing for tradition expressed in a balanced, non-intrusive way.-The Krzysztof Kieślowski Film School in Katowice, 2017. The university building for artistic education was tasked to create a PLACE in a declining district. It impresses with its simplicity and its materiality of the traditional material – brick that is presented in a new, changed form. - Stone Pavilion Golędzinow, 2020 is a small building that tells Warsaw residents about nature conservation. The buildings form was created in the image of a post-glacial fossil. It is an object which shape and materiality seems as if taken directly from the natural world. - Press Glass offices in Konopiska, 2021, built in an unexpected place for this type of building. It is located in a former wasteland which was turned into a golf course. The building is intended to promote the excellence of glass - it reflects the green surroundings, and its form builds the uniqueness and beauty of architecture.The co-author of this publication is the designer of the first and fifth example.