The concept of the project was born from a simple idea: to integrate the Academy’s buildings into the natural environment in such a way that the student could fully experience the projec together with nature. This idea determined the decisions made from concept to the final version.

Smaller scaled buildings reduce tree cutting, simplifying the project’s construction phasing. In addition, we also reduce the development area at ground level while maximizing the upper areas together with green areas near the lobby and public meeting places. The ground floor is therefore an active public space completely immersed in nature. The green area extends up to the first floors of the buildings, creating a natural passage through the terrace, which could be used as a meeting place or an amphitheater.

Each building was designed as an independent, self-sufficient unit fulfilling all assigned functions. Arranging buildings efficiently and close to each other allows for reduced travel time between facilities. The classrooms were arranged on a square plan with an open garden in the middle allowing natural light to reach the corridors.

The arrangement of the functional program in a complex of small buildings with different heights and structures serves to find a scale – a compromise between the vicinity of the city and its features, and the park character of the development area and recreational areas running along the boulevard.

Location: Krakow, Poland
Design Team: PWD Architecture
Area: 20.000m²
Competition year: 2016
Project Architect: Marcin Olszowski
Project Team: Tomasz Czarnecki
Visualisation: maarc studio, PWD Architecture