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Location: Strzeszyńskie Lake

Lake Strzeszyńskie is located on the outskirts of Poznań, in the valley of the Bogdanka River, and is an important natural enclave. It is surrounded mainly by forests – riparian, alder and mixed forests – and meadows, which are a valuable habitat for many plant and animal species, including rare and endangered ones. Two ecological uses have been established in the lake catchment area: Bogdanka I and Bogdanka II. Their aim is to protect valuable aquatic ecosystems and adjacent areas. The Bogdanka in this section has retained its natural character – it forms floodplains, changes course under the influence of beaver activity, becoming a habitat for many valuable species of birds, amphibians and mammals. The grassland areas are difficult to access and subject to little human pressure, which helps to preserve the „wild character” of the wetlands – a rarity in large cities and an invaluable asset in an era of climate change.

NEEDS

The majority of respondents declared that they visit the lake every 2-3 weeks, especially in the warmer months, usually accompanied by family or friends. The most popular activities are cycling, swimming, walking, as well as bird-watching and watching the changing nature. The wilderness, tranquility and fewer visitors were identified as the biggest advantage of this part of the lake. Participants mentioned loud music and smoke from barbecues coming from the other side of the river, as well as some cyclists riding too fast, among the elements that can be disturbing. The pedestrian and cycle route is used all year round, including by commuters to work, universities or other daily destinations.

All unanimously stressed that the west bank lacks a comfortable place to rest quietly, observe nature and learn more about the area’s natural assets. Of the topics that would be of interest, information on beavers, birds, forest types and tree species found in the area were mentioned most often.

 

DESIGN GUIDELINES:

The design process and implementation should include:
  • the location of the elements must be adapted to the terrain, the distribution of the root system of the trees growing in the vicinity,
  • the element should be permanently attached to the ground to ensure its stability,
  • when designing the element, safety issues (including for children) and comfort for individuals or families must be taken into account. The element should be away from the route to eliminate the danger of being hit by fast-moving cyclists,
  • fluctuations in the water table and possible localised water-logging during rainy periods should be taken into account when developing the installation method,
  • resistance to vandalism should also be taken into account in the design.

Projected element:
  • is to face towards the lake and allow distant views to be observed,
  • can be designed to be used by a single person as well as a group of 2-4 people (according to the principle of together but separately),
  • should be in natural wood colours,
  • it is advisable for it to have armrests to enable the elderly and less mobile to stand or sit comfortably, and at least a partial backrest to enable them to sit comfortably for long periods,
  • it can also be of an educational nature (e.g. information elements integrated into the space of the furniture) presenting information on the principles of observing nature, natural components (leaf shapes of trees growing in the neighbourhood- sensoeducation, information on the role of beavers, etc.) or keeping order.

 

FINAL RESULTS

Y amplifajer is a pavilion meant to be a resting stop for wanderers around Strzeszyńskie Lake. It blends in the surrounding and almost as if it grew together with trees finds its way between trunks.
The fluid space bifurcates in three directions framing the different atmospheres of the surrounding. Visitors are welcomed by a low and wide inviting entrance. A narrow, high arm leads to the side of the marsh and the trees framing the vertical layering of the forest where as a square arm frames the view to the lake. All three arms come together in the middle, where a fourth view on the top where triangular hole offers visitors a view of the treetops. The platform of the structure is slightly elevated, built on foundations so that there is as little impact on nature as possible. It is enclosed by wooden slats, that create a dramatic effect due to their varying density towards the different lookout points and provide a great play of light and shadow.

STUDENT PARTICIPANTS:

Bartek Listosz, Natalia Piwoński, Nastassia Mitrafanava, Tomasz Kida, Florentien Meijer, Prigge Hanno, Amelie Mayer, Anna Krebs, Gabriel Malinowski, Ariunzaya Tuul, Brigitta Nagy, Benjamin Julian Morales

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STADTGRAD

STADTGRAD is a Basel-based architecture collective exploring inventive ways to create exciting spaces while staying conscious of resources.

Founded by Mirco Wieneke and Mirza Vranjakovic, the office works across a broad range of scales, from furniture design and residential renovations to large-scale public buildings and masterplans.

At the heart of the practice is a commitment to material reuse, not only to reduce CO₂ emissions, but to foster continuity with the built environment: to borrow character from the past, to reveal traces of use, and to build with care rather than erasure.

Combining rigorous research with strong architectural intuition, STADTGRAD is dedicated to precise detailing and context-driven design, creating architecture that is robust and timeless, yet sensitive and human in scale.