Varso Sport

SPORTS CENTRE IN WARSAW, POLAND

Design Marlena Michalska, Anna Czapla und Filip Gawin

Students Marlena Michalska, Anna Czapla and Filip Gawin at the Silesian University of Technology selected one of the most significant places in the Polish capital to be the site of their project. Its sustainable nature assumes densification of the city while making use of almost none of the natural, undeveloped space. No heavy excavation is needed as the existing underground car park is used and the existing metro station nearby is being renovated.

The complex itself was divided into two individual shapes. The first one has the character of a high-rise building and is located on the edge of the Plac Defilad, along the main road leading to the central railway station. Due to the prestigious nature of the place, the main factor was the desire to create space for all users, not only related to the sports taking place in the second shape, but also fans and passers-by. It was decided to lift the structure on 35-meter columns and to adapt the space under it into a public platform. The city grandstand located there has an integrating function with its open space conducive to meetings for all social groups. One of the three parts of the grandstand faces the city when the other parts turn toward a façade equipped with a transparent LED screen. The second part of the complex features a double, translucent façade in bright colours. It contains the sports functions and exhibition spaces which intertwine with each other. Sports and recreation rooms of different heights interpenetrate, creating an absorbing arrangement. The football field for twelve players was placed on the roof and is covered with a net referring to the facade.

The sports centre combines additional functions such as offices or a hotel. International sports events will attract visitors and potential new investors. Located in the vicinity of the main railway station, the project supports the idea of the EcoCity based on public transport.

2021 IOC IPC IAKS AWARD FOR STUDENTS & YOUNG PROFESSIONALS BRONZE

JURY VERDICT

This design brings the subject of sport into the centre of Warsaw and thus into the spotlight and establishes a connection to life in society. A multi-storey, square sports building with several levels offers all opportunities for sporting activities. Transparent façades allow views in and out and underline this project’s conceptual approach. A second, more administrative building is designed as a slab-like high-rise building. Standing on 35-metre-high supports, it creates a protected public space with a large grandstand facing a large LED screen. The combination of sport and public life makes the VARSO SPORT project worthy of an award.