Competition for the District Museum in Leszno

The object of the competition was to develop an architectural and urban design concept for the revitalisation of the Old Vinegar House building and its extension for the purposes of the Leszno District Museum. The work continues the reflection on the building's usefulness in both an urban and architectural context, as well as a social and cultural one. Located in the centre of Leszno, the museum should be an unambiguously public building, which is to be seen from its form and location in relation to the surroundings. 

The architecture proposed in the design is elegant and timeless, providing a distinctive backdrop to the colourful and dynamic urban life. The shape of the building derives from local tradition and enters into dialogue with it, not by replicating historical themes, but by creatively transforming them. In addition to the exhibition, the museum building should be used by the local community as a meeting place, community centre, auditorium, etc. 

A distinctive feature of the site is the historic Old Vinegar Production Facility Building located at the prominent intersection of Bolesława Chrobrego and Jana Pawła II Streets, with its characteristic turret in the corner. The extension follows the existing structure of the city. The importance of the front facade has been emphasised by moving it backwards in relation to Chrobrego Street, so that it also does not obscure the characteristic gable of the historic building. Both gables form the setting of the entrance courtyard open to the street, starting a sequence of courtyards around which the functioning of the Museum is organised. The layout of the courtyards creates a system of urban interiors of varying character, mood and purpose inspired by the backstreets of historic buildings in Leszno. The entrance square, which is an annex of Chrobrego Street, is a representative hall with a mood built up by the composition of gable walls and a hard, formal floor. The square acts both as a complement and continuation of the street architecture and as the first contact with the Museum. The geometry of the piazza directs visitors towards the next interior: the central viridor. This intimate courtyard is the heart of the project, with the public functions grouped around it: entrance lobbies, café, shop, education room - forming its inner workings. Another courtyard is visible from the garth, the water garden located along the southern wall. This is a green enclave of character built by the rainwater pond and the lush greenery surrounding it. Along the northern wall, a utility courtyard extends.

The project won the ll Award in the SARP competition.