THE IDEA

To complete the cityscape with a landmark, strong, iconic feature – to reflect the Maestro himself. The chosen location is ideal for the purpose, offering a view on the Wyspiański's favourite scenery of the Błonia Park and the Kościuszko Mound, rendered in many of his paintings.

THE CONTEXT

The vast edifice of the National museum in the immediate vicinity, a large square bounded by the modernist style building of the former Cracovia Hotel with a row of student accommodation blocks lined by an alley of tall trees in the background. On the opposite side - entry to the urban space, via Piłsudskiego St. to the Planty city park, University … … and a small project site in an area overwhelmed by the vastness of the existing edifice. How to fit the project into the existing fabric without compromising its value and, at the same time, mark and honour Wyspiański?

THE INSPIRATION

We found the tip in his works - soft, organic forms, his favoured studies from nature, landscapes and details, trees, boughs, flowers … And last but foremost: the colour! At this stage: just a white belt of the solid decorated solely by greens neatly pouring down from the top edge. The bottom belt of the usable space is made partly visible from the street through the heavy, slightly tinted glass panes.