Polish Competition Entry : Information

Polish Solidarity Centre Competition, Gdansk Winner: FORT Architects, Poland Entries: 62 Announced Dec 2007 Prize: £70,000 2nd: Gray International and Stelmach i Partnerzy, Poland 3rd: Arkitema, Denmark Polish Solidarity Centre Competition Entry by Zvi Hecker Architekt The Solidarity Centre is a Gate. It is the Gate to the memories and history of Solidarity. It is the Gate to the reconciliation of Polish society with its past. It is the Gate to the knowledge about the struggle of Polish people with its oppressors. It is the Gate which young people will walk through to make the part relevant and present understandable. The Solidarity Centre is a Gate to the Freedom. The architecture of the building expresses its functions as well as its symbolic role within Gdansk and polish society in general. It certainly will become the heart of Solidarity heritage and its visual image. The form of the building is that of a Gate open to the Solidarity monument and covered by a large roof which houses the most important function of the Centre: its permanent exhibition of the History of Solidarity. The structure of the roof is carried by a cross construction resting on the two V-like pillars, actually the building. The cross construction of the roof leaves two large opening which allow the visitors to enjoy the view of the changing sky creating a feeling of freedom when approaching and entering the Centre. Solidarity Centre Gdansk - Building Info from Zvi Hecker Architects 220408 Polish Solidarity Centre Competition 3rd place : Arkitema Polish Solidarity Centre Competition entry : Town Planning Design & Architecture European Solidarity Center : more details