The project area is situated within a loosely built-up zone in the core city centre of Szczecin, interspersed with urban greenery and individual buildings. In a broader context, the strip serves as a green buffer between the densely developed 19th century downtown, with quarters of tightly built-up tenement houses, and villas in the area which is today the Łękno housing estate. This urban layout, originally conceived by 19th century planners, has largely remained to this day.
This area represents a vital and significant part of the inner city, showcasing distinctive urban design from the turn of the 20th century. Its uniqueness has been carefully respected and preserved in our design approach.
Based on the results of Szczecin’s urban analysis and the historical context of the predominantly pre-war, richly decorated buildings, the new building has been designed with both functionality and heritage in mind. The project consists of several distinct blocks with contrasting dimensions. Two main wings, separated from the central structure, are positioned parallel to Jana Pawła II Avenue and are connected by perpendicular elements along the axis which aligns with the main entrance. The perpendicular volumes are lower in height compared to the two wings of the building, creating a spatial, open layout that integrates harmoniously with the newly designed greenery and existing old trees.
The wall facing Jana Pawła II Avenue serves as the building’s front and its most prominent elevation. Its width and positioning on the plot directly reference the historic Szczecin University Rector’s Office located on the opposite side of the avenue.
The core of the proposed composition lies in the dominance of the main axis of symmetry, set opposite the main entrance to the existing Rector’s office building. A centrally located main entrance to the new building has been designed, featuring a decorative elevated gate.
In front of the main entrance, a forecourt will be developed as publicly accessible, representative square, with a green belt. This space will be an original solution to the contemporary form of the forecourt.
The top level of the front façade, including the aesthetically enclosed rooftop equipment, has been set back from the main façade line. This creates a green roof, which functions as a ‘green cornice’.
The building is designed for three departments of the University:
- Faculty of Law and Administration with its research and teaching function
- Laboratory of Nuclear and Medical Physics providing scientific and research function
- University Computer Centre (as part of central administration) featuring office space
