TBS Włocławek

arch_it, 2020

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award: honorable mention

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type: competition project for a revitalization of an urban block

collaboration: Aleksandra Jodłowska, Kaja Kirilenko, Marysia Krupka, Alicja Stefaniak and Piotr Zybura

responsibilities: designing urban conception, designing architecture conception, managing competition project, drawing project layouts, drawing urban diagrams

 

Towarzystwo Budownictwa Społecznego (TBS) was a Polish program established in 1995 whose main aim was to support affordable housing. It ended in 2021, and the housing cooperatives are its replacement. The conception of TBS buildings in Włocławek is a project that relates directly to the historical part of the city centre while also taking into consideration all of the social conditions of this place.

 

The idea was to create a space where the residents could lead their lives peacefully with an opportunity for constant development. The main element of the entire complex is the common square - a heart of social engagement for the residents. It is the starting point for neighbourly initiatives. Another important spot is the pocket park.  Both are to complement the program of the already existing Revitalization Centre building along with a Neighbours’ Pavilion. In order to fit well into the existing urban fabric, the proposed layout is based on the repetition of quarterly buildings. Moreover, interference with existing buildings is kept to a minimum. 

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The project consists of 3 quarters located around the main square. Additionally, a free-standing building is introduced on the corner of Brzeska and Żabia Street. It is separated from the remaining buildings by a park and refers to the multi-family housing located at Brzeska Street. It is also related to the historical layout of the southwestern part of this quarter, where the density was proportionally lower.