What the f*ck?

Gdańsk Technical University (Politechnika Gdańska), Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk

Project idea

Plener 33 is an open-air space that is part of the Elektryków Street complex - the most popular techno nightlife destination in Gdansk, Poland. The place is located in the shipyard landscape of the city, in abandoned post-industrial buildings near the Vistula River. Previously, cultural events such as fairs, concerts or a summer cinema were organized in the space, and during night events it became a place of relaxation that was not eagerly visited by guests. The space was attended only when cultural events such as fairs, concerts or summer cinema were organized there. During nighttime events, it became a place of rest, which was not frequently visited by guests and did not use its potential. Why was the space of Plener 33 attracting so little attention? How to liven up a space and attract more guests to it? When analyzing the Elektryków Street complex, we can see that each of the spaces in the complex has its own character and function, and also has a certain "manifesto". The aim of the project is to organize this chronology, assign a completely new character to Plener 33, which does not imitate fraternal spaces, and go a step further, maintaining its necessary functions. "What the f*ck?" is the author's impression, inspired by the loose images of the water world flowing next to the Vistula River and the play of lights located in the space of the Electricians.

Project description

The space is to be available at different times of the day. During the day, in contrast to the shipyard walls, it is to serve as a fun amusement park for adults, and in the evening it is a place where both integral with Elektryków Street and independent events can take place. Thanks to its characteristic and unusual elements, it will be seen from a distance, creating a hallmark of the space for tourists, encouraging also to visit the nearby historical heritage located in a deserted district of the city. The design retains the functions previously assigned to the space, which can be extended with additional attractions, which is possible thanks to its large variants. Depending on the budget, the project can be implemented in a minimal form, where it is necessary to implement elements for the functioning of this space, such as a gastronomic zone with back-up facilities and a covered stage, or it can be extended with additional development elements such as the entrance gate, terraces and path, landing to dancing, skatepark (which can periodically be filled with plastic balls or foam) or a climbing wall. Each of the elements will be an independent component that can be used in other arrangements, places or completely disassembled and recycled. The entire space will be filled with mobile decorations.

Technical information

The design uses painted wood, metal parts, old containers and recyclable plastics.