WIELICZKA HUB | car park with art gallery

Cracow Technical University (Politechnika Krakowska), Kraków

Project idea

The project envisions a hybrid building that seamlessly combines a ‘park & ride’ car park with a public art gallery. Designed to address the shortage of parking spaces near the railway station—an essential transport link to Cracow—the building integrates functionality with cultural value. The core concept is a structure defined by simplicity, featuring a compact and technical architectural form. Its restrained design allows the surrounding landscape to take center stage while maintaining a harmonious relationship with its environment. A key aspect of the project is the fusion of parking and exhibition spaces, optimizing land use while creating a unique visitor experience. Thoughtfully placed terraces throughout the building serve as both relaxation areas and vantage points, offering views of the gallery interiors and the natural surroundings. Integrated greenery enhances the museum space, reinforcing the idea of hybrid architecture that interacts with its setting. This is a quiet, understated architecture that ‘sculpts’ its space in dialogue with the existing wooded landscape.

Project description

The building's program primarily includes a parking area with spaces for cars and bicycles. It also offers an art gallery for users. The first three floors are dedicated to parking, with a main staircase and two emergency staircases. The +3 level features an entrance area with a foyer, café, shop, restrooms, and an art space with an exhibition hall. Designed terraces with greenery are also included. On the +4 level, the building houses the art space with an exhibition hall, studios, and administrative areas, with access to additional terraces.

Access to the car park is provided via the proposed footbridge at level +2, while pedestrian and cycle entrances are accessible via the footbridge or on the north side of the building on the ground floor.

The designed building encourages the use of the nearby train station by improving access for public transport users, cyclists, and other means of transportation. Increasing the number of people using public transport has a significant positive impact on the environment and enhances its energy efficiency.

Technical information

The hybrid building consists of five above-ground floors, with a total height of 21 meters. The building's dimensions are 83.5 x 37 meters. The building's structure is based on reinforced concrete, with columns and walls serving as the main structural elements. A 50 cm thick reinforced concrete foundation slab rests on a 10 cm concrete base. Facade of the building was covered with quartz composite panels, and the openwork railings made of stainless steel in an autumn orange color scheme.

In line with environmental considerations, green terraces have been designed to provide additional thermal insulation for the building. The planted areas improve air quality and enhance the building's aesthetic. Additionally, photovoltaic panels have been installed on one of the roofs to generate clean electricity. The parking facility is also equipped with electric vehicle charging stations, supporting the development of eco-friendly transportation and making it easier to use electric cars.