music academy

The new location of the Krzysztof Penderecki Music Academy imposes a similar way of thinking to the pavilion project and does not allow ignoring the surroundings of the Grzegórzecki Park, the monuments of nature, the proximity of the Vistula River and the Kurlandzki Boulevard, or finally, the ecological potential of the place. The degraded space of the former barracks already whispers the story of a beautiful English garden with old trees and an unusual object of the Academy that will respectably fit between old trunks and crowns, creating space for academic life and nature.

Contrary to initial ideas, this project does not try to refer to the historical architecture of Krakow (although certain parallels appear), or to the iconic silhouette of the old city looming somewhere in the northwestern views. The idea of the entire project is simply embedded in the park. In this local, still neglected park, although theoretically, the building could be constructed in any garden arrangement, and its disciplined structure would undoubtedly adapt flexibly to any location. In a sense, in terms of context, the object is even introverted. It harmonizes with the nearest surroundings, does not seek an answer to the nearby urban order or its absence. It simply immerses itself in the green, urban oasis near the Vistula.

With its discreet presence, it proves that the city can merge with nature in a model way, without squeaks, softly and with respect.

Therefore, the new seat of the Academy has only 3 floors. Most of the trees are higher than it, and all frames or openings always find a human scale. The modular structure of the building is latticed, does not close, on the contrary, it meanders between trees, surrounding two natural monuments with a wide, open space.

Over 23-meter-high ash trees tower over the roof of the building, casting life-giving shade on patios, where the smallest dimension is 24m x 24m on the ground floor, and on subsequent floors, this space opens even more inviting to the next level, which is the roof. Hence, between the crowns of trees, you can see the Vistula or the panorama of Krakow.

In the new Academy, you will find an infinite number of unique, intimate frames, places of contemplation, peace, but also spaces pulsing with musical, student life, where interiors and exteriors combine in a gentle symbiosis of nature and civilization.