The project included the revalorization and adaptation of the former hairdresser (and originally waiting rooms for the tram and kiosks with milk and newspapers) in the historic residential building No. 1 (Laubenganghaus No. 1) in the area of the WuWA (Wohnungs- und Werkraum Ausstellung) residential exhibition from 1929. The gallery house, to which the object adjoins, was designed by Paul Heim and Albert Kempter.
WuWa Exhibition 1929
An exhibition of residential and commercial building, Wohnungs-und Werkraum ausstellung or WuWA, opened in Wrocław in 1929. It was organized by a group of Silesian architects, designers, artists and engineers from the German organization Werkbund, whose members worked on innovative solutions in architecture and industrial design. WuWA, now on a list of monuments, was in 1929 an expression of the most progressive ideas concerning housing, urban planning and the features that should be offered to citizens. Forgotten in the post-war times, when Wrocław found itself within the borders of Poland, it slowly comes back to the minds of the local community as an exceptional place that testifies to the city’s historical continuity.
Infowuwa
As part of the renovation of the pavilion under conservation protection, the façade was renovated in original colors, window frames and expressive red-colored external seats were restored. The characteristic, known from post-German Wrocław buildings, pitted plaster and clinker finish of external surfaces was also restored, together with a concrete roof. Slender neon letters were added to the roof, which together with linear external lighting
emphasizes the current function of the building as a cafe and information point, which is the entrance to the area of the former exhibition. Interiors were designed as universally as possible. Added elements - a white counter, cabinets and shelves or thin linear lighting - are neutral and subtle.
Living places.
Although its primary function is information point and café, the local community treats the place as a meeting place and a cultural hub. Community and public life unfold around the building when inside visitors and residents can find all information and publications about the exhibition. Carefully recreated details allow for direct contact with the former modernist architecture and show its erstwhile perfection. The line of windows that extends along the entire arch of the wall allows light to fall inside from dawn to dusk when the external roof provides a shelter for external activities. A small peaceful place in the middle of the city.
Architects: Maja Cichocka, Agnieszka Gałwiaczek, Piotr Zybura
Cooperation: Tomasz Cempa
Photo: Maciej Lulko
Project: 2016-2017
Realization: 2018
Awards: Honourable mention in Piękny Wrocław (Beaufiful Wrocław) competition, selection in XXL Architecture competition.
