Public Space in Góra Puławska, by 3XA, Góra Puławska, Poland. Undeveloped lands in villages and cities are like air bubbles or holes in a dense net. These “free space bubbles” harbor great potential for transformation into well-designed urban spaces that meet the needs of residents and visitors. A great design invites people to relate to and use the environment as a stage for human interrelation and communication. In the Public Space in Góra Puławska, Poland, 3XA designers Ewa Czerny, Maciej Kowaluk, and Łukasz Reszka have created a recreational space where village residents can meet and pursue a variety of leisure activities.
Góra Puławska. Photo credit: s.zajaczkowski
Góra Puławska
The location for the project was thoughtfully chosen. It provides isolation from the busy and noisy arterial route of Radomska Street, creating a pleasant ambience. It’s not about urban hustle and bustle, but about chilling, meeting, and socializing. In contrast to indeterminate squares, village residents can choose between different zones for relaxation or meetings.
Góra Puławska. Photo credit: S.Zajaczkowski
Diverse social needs are met through the use of different landscaping elements. Small outdoor events find their place in the open area, where numerous benches fulfill the main purpose of a contemporary public square — that of gathering people together.
Using Key Details to Elevate the Design Tables and seats under the covered arbors provide a place where residents can exchange interests and experiences. The third zone is designed with large platform benches, where one can sit back and relax or spend time with larger groups. The two rows of birches create an avenue effect and complete the tableau.
Góra Puławska. Photo credit: S.Zajaczkowski
When looking at the whole project, certain details play an important role, like the spices in food: You would notice them if they were missing. The use of the materials is decisive for the quality of the landscape elements. The heart of the public space — the two pergolas — is made of
CorTen steel (weathering steel) that is corrosion- and vandalism-resistant. The appearance of the layered patina is aesthetically attractive and also additional protection against corrosion. The benches, lanterns, and bins fit in with this décor and are also made of CorTen steel.
Góra Puławska. Photo credits: S.Zajaczkowski
Góra Puławska. Photo credit: S.Zajaczkowski
Another decisive detail is the security. Safety is a major criteria for the success of a public space. This is achieved through lighting that also creates a welcome and pleasant environment. The main light is provided by tall, slender lanterns whose design is minimalist and has a modern touch. The lamps located in the floor complete the scenery with ambient light.
Góra Puławska. Photo credit: S.Zajaczkowski
A convenient detail can be found in the CorTen steel bike racks along the sidewalks, which are U-shaped so as not to take much space away from pedestrians. The bike racks encourage a healthy lifestyle and provide a sustainable mode of mobility.
Góra Puławska. Photo credit: S.Zajaczkowski
Góra Puławska now possesses a new functional, differentiated public space, designed to meet the common needs of the local residents but also individual needs of recreation, so that the project taps into the full potential of an undeveloped piece of land. Through the three different zones and the interesting greenery arrangement, it fulfills the main purposes of a public square: social integration, socialization, and relaxation, fostering the social cohesion of the village.
Góra Puławska. Photo credit: S.Zajaczkowski
Do you also know of undeveloped areas in your city or village? Do you have any ideas for transforming them? What about a new public space?
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