Interior design in an existing facility with interesting architecture and history gives rise to a temptation to keep as much of its former character as possible. But how to reconcile the monumental style of a luxury communist hotel with the freshness, energy, and dynamics of a contemporary student residence? The designers from MIXD managed to successfully fuse both worlds and combine their best elements while designing the common areas of the private student dormitory, Student Depot Poznań.
The Polonez hotel in Poznań was one of the flagship hotel investments of the 1970s. Built on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the People's Republic of Poland, it was to serve visitors to the Poznań Fair. This monumental building (408 rooms!) has been finished to a high standard of the time: there were marble floors, granite wall cladding, and wooden paneling. The whole is equipped with custom-designed furniture. No wonder it was an oasis of hotel luxury for a long time. Already after 1989, the first "capitalist" dancings were held here, and for some time the first casino in Poznań operated here.
When it turned out that students would take the place of businessmen and fair visitors, this colorful past turned out to be an inexhaustible source of inspiration for the MIXD design team, but also a challenge. “On the one hand, we wanted to display these interiors from the 1970s, save and reuse noble materials, and show the design of that decade. On the other hand, we were looking for a strong contrast for them, a breakthrough, and something attractive for young residents of the Student Depot dormitory. We were looking for inspiration in dances, discos, and playgrounds in the surrounding neighborhoods - says Anna Stachi, Associate, MIXD. “We did it in different ways. Graphics appeared in the lobby, including a mural in the TV zone, designed by Katarzyna Bogucka, i.e. the popular Nioska. The preserved granite cladding on the pillars has been supplemented with LED neon lights recessed into the stone, which not only illuminate the interior but also, thanks to RGB controllers, allow you to change its color and mood. We have replaced the lamps on the original lamella ceiling. We covered the marble floor in selected places with carpeting to warm the interior. We have introduced modern materials, such as trapezoidal sheet metal, brushed steel, or laminates. And many fabrics that help build its atmosphere and intimacy. "
Today, the spacious hotel lobby is divided into several smaller zones assigned to various activities of young people. “We did not change the interior layout - we used fabrics and floor coverings to separate the zones. In more intensively used places it is vinyl flooring, in less busy - carpet flooring ”- describes Anna Stachi.
Opposite the entrance, we have a symbolic "playground" - a meeting and announcement zone, where you can relax while waiting for friends or try exercises on climbing frames. On the right side, there is a reception - built in the spirit of #reuse of beautiful red marble recovered during renovation. Opposite it there is a cafe - with contemporary Fameg furniture referring to the vintage style, with a piano and ukulele. The patterns on the table tops are inspired by terrazzo. Next to the reception desk, there is a high coworking table, built on the basis of the former hotel reception. Here students can meet both for a casual chat and to work in groups on projects for classes. Further on the same side, we have a game room: both for board games and for PlayStation. This zone is distinguished by a relaxing turquoise color and a fun accent in the form of a tub filled with balls - perfect for making a funny #selfie for friends.
In the TV zone located opposite, we have two hits: spacious, comfortable King sofas by Noti and a machine for ... making popcorn. Thanks to this treat, each screening is like visiting the cinema. And when the Polish team playing a match? Then the textile curtains separating the lounge areas and the café can be moved aside and all interested residents of the Student Depot dormitory can cheer on.
And what is left for those who just need to focus on learning? On the opposite edge of the lobby, far from the noisy entertainment zone, there is a silent workroom - the only permanently separated room where you can concentrate on preparing for tests and exams at a large, round table.
Throughout the interior, we find a lot of accents referring to the hotel's past. An authentic lamp from the hotel's room equipment illuminates the lounge area, and the renovated table on turned legs is used for board games. There is a hotel trolley for luggage next to the reception desk - in case someone would like to transport extremely heavy suitcases to the room. “We know that this interior is liked by young users and that they are happy to invite their friends to show off how they live. Also that there used to be a hotel here, that this place has a unique history that is worth knowing. "
The hotel's legacy is also an extremely convenient location: close to the University of Adam Mickiewicz, Park Cytadela, and convenient access to the railway station and the Poznań Old Town.
