Human-non-human relationships in urban areas - the interspecies hotel in Wrocław

Wroclaw University of Technology, (Politechnika Wrocławska), Faculty of Architecture, Wrocław

Project idea

The main goal of the project was to create a structure adapted to the needs of various species, free from inequality and violence. The project aims to raise awareness, sensitize, and educate users on various forms of environmental care. An attempt to organize interspecies relations and create experimental spaces was a key concept of the work. The chosen location in Wrocław is characterized by its recreational nature and proximity to diverse green areas. The main footbridge leading through the wild and chaotically growing greenery toward the building provides an opportunity for guests to interact with the existing subnature, step out of their comfort zone, and shift their perspective on urban nature.

Project description

Following an analysis of the species present in the area, experimental facades were designed to accommodate bats, birds, and insects. Solutions were also implemented to minimize the risk of bird collisions with glass surfaces. The building’s form is derived from environmental analyses, which reveal the degree of wild nature’s development on the site. Additionally, the linear functionality and fluid shaping of the building’s form reflect the surrounding natural environment and the close presence of the river.

Technical information

The building incorporates a natural ventilation system. The planned rainwater drainage installation uses the westward slope of the roof as a key element. Rainwater collected from the roof is directed to an underground reservoir. As part of the experimental approach, the project includes the construction of a small-scale biogas plant aimed at efficient organic waste management and optimizing the use of renewable energy sources. The project seeks to engage the local community of allotment garden users in the fermentation process of organic waste, enabling biogas production.
This project is an experimental endeavor presenting real-world solutions and aiming to create a hotel that meets the needs of both humans and other organisms inhabiting urban spaces. The Wrocław hotel, located near the city’s green areas, is an attempt to design a place where various species can coexist on equal terms.

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