Our proposal to redesign the Warsaw Rotunda enwreathes the existing structure in a pleated Dupont Corian Terra canopy that provides a space for events, exhibitions, and performances. The Rotunda façade and roof is clad in Dupont SentryGlas to house a rain garden of native Polish vegetation that can absorb stormwater from the surrounding hardscape. Rainwater filters through the center of the new powder-coated steel center column into a reservoir for plant irrigation. The underside of the canopy becomes a reflective canvas that can be uplit to create a dramatic light show. The space can be reserved for special celebrations like weddings and parties and to house exhibitions and installations. An elevated outdoor amphitheater provides a space for public gatherings and performances as well as a connection to an indoor mezzanine.
The Polish climate is highly favorable to solar harvesting, and the country is a leader in the production of solar collectors. The faceted panels on the expansive canopy roof are laminated with thin film photovoltaic cells using Dupont encapsulants and resins to power events within the space. The plaza surface is configured as concentric rings. The outermost band is a reflective Corian surface that mirrors the underside of the canopy. The middle band is a gravel and planting swath held in place by Dupont Plantex that enables groundwater runoff to be funneled into the reservoir. The inner ring is a pool of water that reflects the new façade of the rotunda.
The form of the canopy is intended to recall both the Polish tradition of wycinaki, or intricate paper cutting, as well as the petals of the corn poppy, the national flower of Poland and a symbol of the heroism of Polish soldiers fighting in World War II and of Independence Day marking the end of World War I.
