NEW DISTRICT KRAKOW Ir. Michiel Smits

Location: Krakow (Poland)

Client: International Technical University of Krakow & Town Board

Studio: MSc2 Urban Design

Date: 02-2010

Grade: 9+

Size:

• - Homes
• - Shops
• - Offices
• - Recreation
• - Park

Description

Because Krakow regularly floodes, especially in the spring, the municipality decided to build a canal so that at high water the water can run faster. Because this channels right through two residential areas of Krakow, the municipality wished for the canal to have more functions. In particular, water sports, restaurants, etc.

From the analyzes and interviews it became increasingly clear that the life in Krakow suffers under the pressure of tourism in the city. The residents indicated that they would appreciate something which was just for them. We decided that a cultural centre for the residents should be composed, including libraries, parks, shops, etc. This had to be realised without losing the identity and the peaceful character of the area

We set the limits for not higher than 2-3 floors. Only in the centre of the new district we created 4 floors high. The orientation of the infrastructure is the cultural heart. In addition, the channel has bike paths and hiking trails that can run over at high water. In dryer seasons the channel is a place for canoeing, fishing or just a stroll along the new cultural heart.

With this project I was able to show, for the first time, that I am not only an architect but also an urban designer and planner. Something which comes in very handy, in particular for my work in Africa.