Student participiants:
Piotr Wieczorek, Bernadetta Budzik, Alicja Przygon, Akos Miklos, Adrienn Prépost, Éva Hoffmann, Mária Gabániová
Katerina Klacková, Magda Mikudova, Wojciech Jenerowicz
Location: Malta Lake
Lake Malta, known also as the Maltański Reservoir, is an artificial lake in Poznań. It was formed in 1952 as a result of the damming of the Cybina River. It is about 2.2 km long (with the circuit of 5,6 km), which makes the lake the biggest man-made lake of the city. The water is 3.1 m deep on average with a maximum about 5 m. There are a number of recreational attractions along the edge of the lake including: an artificial ski slope, an artificial ice rink, a zoological garden, Kolejka Parkowa Maltanka – a narrow railway, the Mound of Freedom, seasonal bikes rental – MaltaBike
The lake also has one of the oldest man-made rowing venues in Europe – The Malta Regatta Course. This dates back to 1952 and has held a number of Rowing World Cup events.
The lake also gives its name to the Malta theatre festival, held in Poznań annually in June, with some of the shows taking place next to the lake.
TASK – to create landmark
The beach at Malta Lake is located on the southern shore of the lake near the picnic area. There is a designated bathing area at the beach – a marked section of the lake used by bathers. The swimming area is usually open during the summer season from 15 June to 31 August from 10am to 6pm.
The site now offers a grassy beach and a specially designated part of the lake for children to play and swim, which are separated by concrete piers. There are refreshment stands available, a beach football pitch and beach volleyball court, a street workout area and walking paths.
The current water-sport area includes jetties with lifeguard towers and a 2330.0m2 pool, intended for swimmers and a swimming pool with a surface area of 800.8m2 for those unable to swim with a children’s paddling pool. The width of the bathing area along the shore is 100 m.
GUIDELINES:
-adapted to the terrain and fit well into the space (e.g. visually open to a body of water, using the slope of the land towards the water),
-adapted to different ages and levels of fitness (e.g. different heights of seats, footrests to make it easier for older people to stand up, the possibility to set up a pram or put down sticks, etc.),
-allowing you to relax both sitting and lying down,
-of a varied nature – some elements can also be used for support groups during competitions, one of the elements can also be used as a platform in the water
allowing poles to be placed in the vicinity of benches (many senior citizens use Nordic walking poles),
-it is advisable to use shading elements,
-it is also worth considering the possibility of providing information on the rules of cheering during kayaking or rowing competitions (e.g. by posting QRcode),
FINAL RESULTS
The appearance and form of the installation are inspired by the surrounding environment. By designing a vertical element we aim to create a balance between the dominant vertical structures in the area. Additionally, the color combination of blue, red, and white reflects the color scheme commonly found at the site. By positioning the structure in a way that frames the view towards the city center, it encourages people to explore their surroundings. The installation also includes seats around the table, providing an excellent opportunity for gathering and spending time. It serves as a meeting point for people using the walking path around the lake.
Overall, the proposed installation aims to revitalize the beach area near Malta Lake, making it more inviting and engaging for visitors. It creates a prominent landmark,
Tutor: KOSMOS + Mátyás Molnár
Architects from Austria/ Slovakia
KOSMOS
KOSMOS is an architectural practice with offices in Zürich and Graz, which collaborates virtually across the borders. The office realizes projects of diverse scales: from a door handle to a city plan; and of different types: from art installations and pavilions to big public, residential, cultural and infrastructural buildings. KOSMOS combines art and technology; experience learned at the best international practices with attention to local specificities and resources; professionalism with drive.
The diversity of geographical contexts, collaborations, and building typologies on which the office works allows KOSMOS to rethink the conventional approach to design and propose novel, non-typical solutions in both practical work and research activities.
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Mátyás Molnár
is an architect from Dunaszerdahely, SK. After graduating from the International Master in Architecture at KU Leuven in 2016 he has been living and working between Ghent and New York. For more than 5 years Matyas has been a collaborator of architecten de vylder vinck taillieu ( later AJDVIV) and SO-IL. He has designed and lead workshops for Horst Arts and Music Festival for multiple years, constructing pavilions for Atelier Bow-Wow and advvt. He has exhibited at the Milano Design Week in 2023, the Belgian Art & Design Fair in 2021 and the Biennale Interieur in Kortrijk in 2018. In his work his interest lies between rational pragmatism and the spontaneity of making.