RESEARCH PAPER
Seeking possibilites for shaping new functions, vaules and identity of the place for a post-industrial area
on the example of the former “Pokój” coal mine in Ruda Śląska.
More details
Hide details
1
Politechnika Śląska, Wydział Architektury, Katedra Urbanistyki i Planowania Przestrzennego.
Publication date: 2024-03-14
Architektura, Urbanistyka, Architektura Wnętrz 2022;10
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
The site of “Pokój” Coal Mine in Ruda Śląska is a typical Upper Silesian brownfield, with potential for revitalization and incorporation with the surrounding urban structure. The site is located between the districts of Wirek and Nowy Bytom, in proximity to large green spaces, with good access to roads, public transport and a planned “bicycle highway”. The main potential of the place is: historic mine buildings, including the iconic Wanda shaft, affluent greenery on site, several elements of industrial heritage. The conceptual masterplan, elaborated by the author (December 2021), envisions the transformation of a mine site into a multi-functional, sustainable urban neighborhood. A new urban structure could be crafted by adapting mining buildings to new amenities, including: a warehouse for community marked and events, offices, restaurant, sports, exposition of industrial heritage. The key function is a neighborhood social hub, including: crafts and entrepreneurship incubation and training, artisans workshops, co-working spaces, artists studios, etc. Further stages include multi-family housing and offices. The initial stage is establishing an open space strip across the area, linking post-industrial buildings, new activities, container pavilions and re-use of industrial relicts in the urban landscaping. The proposed sequence of public space provides a pedestrian and bicycle link from Niedurnego Street and new tram and bus stops, to the recultivated Antonio Hill. The post-industrial public space could be shaped in such a way as to expose the values of the area: the shaft head of the Wanda shaft, the mechanical workshop hall, the characteristic facades of the mine buildings, post-industrial relics, etc., initiating the process of revitalization of the area.