Traugutta Street in Wrocław by the Oława River

The complex of the former Bethanien hospital was established at the beginning of the 19th century in the Oławskie Suburb, located on the edge of the city, which today forms part of the historic center of Wrocław. The character of the site has been shaped by two factors: intensive urbanization and the river, whose valley cuts through the urban fabric with a deep, green wedge. Its location at the boundary between the dense historic city structure and the natural landscape of the green riverside areas along the Oława River has defined the nature of the complex, whose essence lies in the coexistence of architecture, gardens, and wild riverside greenery.

The area situated between the busy Traugutta Street and the landscape of the Oława riverbanks is unique in many respects, encouraging the search for non-obvious, multi-layered design strategies.

This site holds the potential to realize the best qualities of the COLLAGE CITY concept. It allows for the combination of diverse atmospheres, programmatic elements, architectural character, and development models that have been evolving for over two hundred years, alongside green, garden-like zones. Next to dense, perimeter-block, somewhat austere tenement housing, there exists a campus-like ensemble of hospital buildings of varied character - from neo-Gothic structures to early modernist buildings reminiscent of university facilities or prestigious Belle Époque hotels. These will be complemented by new residential buildings, either constructed from scratch or following the historical footprints of former structures, with service-oriented ground floors. Their interface with public urban spaces will contribute to the creation of a local micro-service center.

The transformed former hospital buildings, together with the newly constructed ones, will exhibit architectural diversity, forming a vibrant and varied architectural patchwork.

The gardens, like the buildings, are intended to vary in character - from designed landscapes to more spontaneous, resident-shaped spaces for individual cultivation (continuing the tradition of the Bethanien gardens). Some areas will remain “wild” and “natural,” while others will support natural water retention and help shape a favorable microclimate. Above all, the landscape of the development is meant to emphasize its relationship with the river, restoring the lost qualities of a suburban, health-resort-like environment that draws from the values of its natural surroundings.

The entire project is intended as an expression of continuity - of layered historical narratives, natural transformations, and human activity - resulting in the creation of a vibrant and authentic living environment.