The Holiday Center of the Silesian University of Technology

Silesian University of Technology, (Politechnika Śląska), Faculty of Architecture, Gliwice

Project idea

The project idea involves revitalizing a building that no longer attracts tourists, transforming it into a year-round recreational center with a library function for the residents of Jastrzębia Góra and its surroundings. According to European Union research, Poles rank highly in terms of time spent reading in Europe. Within a 10-kilometer radius of the project site, there are no libraries, and within a 20-kilometer radius, there are only three. Designing a library with multifunctional zones for author meetings, reading activities, and conducting training and workshops will undoubtedly increase tourist interest. Additionally, an accessible library will attract local residents and fill the neglected cultural and educational infrastructure in Jastrzębia Góra and surrounded villages. The old part of the building is separated from the new part by a ground-floor library with a functional terrace. The design of the new building refers to the old historic section with matching height and dormer windows in the roof.

Project description

The Holiday Center of the Silesian University of Technology, located at 18 Wiejska Street, Poland, is listed in both the provincial and municipal registers of historic monuments. The building must be maintained in good technical condition, allowing for interior modifications. The facade should remain untouched. The project includes an extension attached to the rear facade of the existing building and a naturally ventilated underground parking garage. The new section of the building will house a public library and guest rooms. The reading room is a place for relaxation, equipped with a rich collection of books and multifunctional rooms designated for author meetings, training sessions, workshops, and lectures.

The planned center can be an attractive tourist spot for literature enthusiasts and a suitable venue for thematic conferences. The guest rooms, equipped to a high standard, can accommodate one to four people. The plot features abundant tall and low greenery. The designed recreational center, which includes a library, restaurant, and guest rooms, has a usable area of 3,040 square meters. The restaurant, located on the -1 floor, can accommodate up to 105 people. It does not have waiter service; guests return their dishes themselves. The guest rooms are located in both the historic and newly designed sections, equipped with a TV, bed, and lounge area. Many of them have a balcony or terrace. The library, separating the two accommodation areas, is well-stocked with a variety of books and multifunctional rooms, allowing for multiple events to occur simultaneously.

The front facade of the existing Silesian University of Technology Holiday Center remains untouched, while the interior and ceilings have been completely altered. The terrain slope on the western elevation side was moved 7 meters into the plot, allowing for the placement of the main entrance. The entrance is on the -1 floor and accessible from Wiejska Street. The restaurant is located on the same floor, and the reception area, along with the division into two guest areas and the library, is located one floor higher. The building also has two additional entrances for staff from Kuracyjna Street. The first is on the side of the historic front facade, and the second is on the eastern elevation side. The designed center also features a ventilated underground parking garage with access from Wiejska Street.

Technical information

The revitalized building of the historic Holiday Center of the Silesian University of Technology is entirely based on a reinforced concrete structure. The extension on the -1 floor, which also includes the underground parking garage, has been designed with a reinforced concrete structure as well. Floors above on the new part are constructed with a wooden frame structure, except the old part that is fully based on a reinforced concrete The building is founded on foundation footings.The front elevation of the existing building remains untouched – the -1 floor is covered with white plaster, and the floor above is made of dark facade boards. The roof is covered with red tiles. The elevation of the newly designed section refers to the old building, with the facade also covered with dark facade boards.

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