The Slavic Memorial Museum and the Educational Center in Podgrodzie in Wiślica

Cracow Technical University (Politechnika Krakowska), Kraków

Project idea

The subject of this study is a conceptual design called: "Concept of the Slavic Memorial Museum in Podgrodzie in Wiślica". The study includes a detailed description of the design assumptions, architectural drawings and illustrative visualizations, which aim to illustrate the proposed spatial and functional solutions. The design takes into account both aesthetic and technical aspects, including adapting the space to the planned functions, adapting the facility to people with special needs.

Project description

The Slavic Museum in Wiślica was designed as a facility that harmoniously fits into the surroundings of the stronghold, emphasizing its historical significance and at the same time introducing modern educational and cultural functions. The building consists of many blocks of different heights, which symbolically refer to the characteristic, fragmented Slavic architecture. These blocks are connected by a common, monumental wooden roof, which is one of the key elements of the project. The roof, made of natural wood, is strongly exposed both inside and outside, which gives the interiors a unique character and emphasizes their spaciousness. Its form is inspired by traditional Slavic houses, which builds a strong identity of the place and creates a bridge between modernity and history. The interiors of the building are characterized by a large variety of room heights, which introduces the dynamics of the space and allows for the effective separation of individual functions. The central organizational element of the building is the main communication axis, which leads through the entire building, directing visitors towards the stronghold. This space is bright, wide and open, which facilitates comfortable movement and gives a sense of spaciousness. The interior layout was designed to seamlessly integrate museum, educational and recreational spaces, as well as provide easy access to individual zones. The building contains exhibition halls that tell the history of the Slavs, an educational center with places for learning and workshops, and a large amphitheatrical hall intended for lectures, presentations and cultural events. Additional functions include a small café with a view of the surrounding nature and administrative and office space.

The finishing materials used, such as white stone and wood, emphasize the connection with nature and the simplicity of Slavic aesthetics. Natural materials were used both in the facades and interiors, which creates a coherent and friendly atmosphere of the facility. An important aspect of the project are the numerous cutouts in the body and courtyards, which were created as a result of the fragmentation of the building. These courtyards integrate the interiors with the surroundings, creating semi-open spaces in which workshops, outdoor exhibitions or other events can be organized. This type of solution also allows for moving part of the museum's functions outside, which is in line with the traditional, nature-oriented lifestyle of the ancient Slavs.

The building, despite its modern character, was designed so as not to overwhelm the stronghold or dominate the landscape. Its scale is well thought out, and the shapes, despite their diversity, blend harmoniously with the surrounding area. The roof, although exposed, introduces peace and balance thanks to its natural form and materials. The project also provides access to numerous views of the stronghold and the open fields around it, which strengthens the relationship between the museum's interiors and the historical surroundings.

Technical information

The building consists of several independent blocks with different functions based on a reinforced concrete structure, on which wooden roofs are mounted. The basis of the building structure are reinforced concrete load-bearing walls, which are the load-bearing elements of the foundations and ceilings. The whole is set on a foundation slab, and communication between the blocks takes place by means of communication routes located between the blocks. The building is set on a 70 cm thick foundation slab made of B-30 concrete. The foundation slab is the main load-bearing element of the building and transfers loads from the entire structure to the ground. B-30 concrete is characterized by a compressive strength of 30 MPa, which ensures the appropriate load-bearing capacity of the structure. In order to additionally strengthen and increase the strength, the slab was made using technology using sub-concrete, which is a protective layer and increases the stability of the structure in difficult ground conditions.