Forecourt of the Poznań Castle

The courtyard in front of the Castle was designed as a space of representative character, in dialogue with the locally occurring historical urban style of the Imperial District in Poznań.

Greenery and water are introduced into the concrete space of the courtyard, along with a pavilion enclosing the square from the street side

We deconstruct historicizing compositions – the forms designed in the courtyard, which have classical shapes, take on new functions as green spaces, furniture, and water elements, while also establishing spatial relationships with each other, the Castle’s structure, and Święty Marcin Street. The clearly defined spatial gestures of precisely outlined forms engage in dialogue with the building’s architecture, which distinctly separates itself from its surroundings.

 

As a result, spatial connections emerge between old and new elements of the design. We reference the existing castle frontage by shaping specific viewpoints (from building entrances and entrance zones to the square), designing visual enclosures with greenery, and creating spatial sequences of “narrowing – opening.” The “façade” of the Courtyard and the Castle, as seen from Święty Marcin Street, is drawn by skillfully integrating greenery into the historic frontage.

AUTHORS

Katarzyna Dorda, Marta Przygoda, Marta Tomasiak

Partners & Collaborators

Aleksander Wadas Studio (lead architect)

area

0,3 ha

project budget

12 606 000,00 PLN

client

Zamek Culture Centre in Poznań

year

2019 – 2025

photographs

Dawid Majewski

The designed courtyard is a green, “breathing” urban space with an almost resort-like character

Our project becomes unique and deeply connected to its specific context – standing in contrast to the numerous neutral and indifferent urban spaces that could exist anywhere. The shared Courtyard in front of the Castle is envisioned as a continuation of the city’s existing life, preserving and enhancing the spatial situations already present.

light, greenery, and seating invite for pause and observation
Movable furniture allows public space to adapt to different uses, encouraging people to rearrange it freely

Water is a crucial element in shaping the unique microclimate of the space – we are introducing a “steaming” water feature, drinking fountains for both people and animals, and misting nozzles placed at the edge of the greenery

We are designing a year-round space, with a pavilion serving as the focal point of the concept. The proposed structure, located along the historical edge of the Castle Courtyard acts as a catalyst for activity within the square. Additionally, we envision the water mirror area transforming into an ice rink during winter and accommodating markets, fairs, and other events throughout the year.

 

THE SQUARE’S FURNISHINGS ARE ALSO DESIGNED COHESIVELY – VISUALLY HEAVY, REFERENCING CLASSICAL FORMS, WITH FIXED FURNITURE INTERSPERSED WITH LIGHT, MOBILE CHAIRS, BENCHES, AND TABLES OF CONTEMPORARY CHARACTER
A mélange of two types of custom-designed furnishings
Activity from the pavilion spills into its surroundings, bringing movement and energy to the square
Multifunctionality and adaptability to different times of the day and year are the key features of the courtyard design

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