WWAA

MERCEDES STATION | temporary pavilion . Warsow

WWAA . photos: © Paula Urbanek . © WWAA

A temporary pavilion in the city centre can be viewed as a ‘gadget’ that is either neutral or that invades the space surrounding it.

PAVILION IN THE CITY CENTRE
At the end of the day such a strategy seems to be unsuccessful as far as Warsaw is concerned for two reasons: first, the city is considered to have far too many temporary and chaotic interventions (negative correlations with ‘permanent’ temporary architecture). Second, for the building that is supposed to exists only for a few months. The appearance of the Mercedes pavilion in the city centre should bring new quality to the public space due to its recognizable yet contextual architecture as well as its additional functions adjusted to the area it is located. The ideal scenario is for the pavilion to become a good example of a construction that contributes to the revitalization of a public space and determines its future function.

WHERE CARS LIVE
A car seen in a car showroom always looks like it doesn’t belong there. It should be on the street, in the parking lot, in a garage, in a workshop…Designing a pavilion that represents an interesting architectural form is a challenge. Designing a pavilion that will house a car that doesn’t look odd seems to be much more difficult. The final concept is a result of two ways of thinking. First, the place that would create more ‘natural’ environment for the Mercedes model. Second, the specific character of the public space in the city. Hence the idea inspired by so well-known and embedded in the Polish landscape of local streets and backyards detached garages. This land-consuming construction aimed to provide residents of multi-dwelling units individual garages became an urban disgrace especially in the city centre, very often blocking the frontage in hotspot locations. On the other hand, those garages are a symbol of Polish transformation as they used to serve as retail units becoming a hub for local grocery shops, workshops and other services once the cars were removed from them. Using so well-recognized form the project refers to garages and makes the Mercedes models look more natural in such a surrounding and less out of context.

FUNCTION
Each area of the pavilion has a dedicated function that seamlessly weaves into the Powiśle urban and socio-cultural fabric – one of the most popular and vibrant Warsaw districts. The area is widely visited not only by Warsaw inhabitants but also by tourists especially during the summer. The east area of the pavilion will be dedicated to the city sports where users will be able to get advice and information on activities available in the city as well as get some help in the bicycle workshop. Next module will be an area designated for rest and relaxation with tables, sofas and soft chairs, toys for children, newspapers and books, place to drink coffee, use free wi-fi. This space was designed as a natural extension of the PKP Powiśle café located nearby. Another area will host Mercedes car model. Due to the use of transparent materials and lighting the car will be visible for everyone passing the pavilion during its opening hours as well as at night when it is closed. In this area Mercedes advisors will be giving information on cars, arranging test drives or meetings at a Mercedes dealership. Finally, there will be an open gallery presenting the latest trends in art and culture during a series of presentations of young and original artists, fashion designers and designers. The space will also be used as a meeting area for discussions, book presentations and lectures on various aspects of contemporary culture.

FORM, CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS
The form of the pavilion was inspired by the shape of garages located in the residential districts and their characteristic setback construction formed by repetitive modules with garage door. The floor plan follows the same rule, repeating this geometry, except for the terrace facing the park where the shape of the plot and the trees defined its form. The construction of the modules is made of light wood and sealed up with multi-chamber polycarbonate slabs. The use of semi-transparent materials light up the pavilion after the dawn. Wooden terraces surrounding the pavilion are to evoke the feeling of relaxation. “Garage doors” will be finished with the recycled metal acquired from the pressed car bodies. Each surface has a unique style and pictorial character due to the multicoloured car lacquer that covers the metal. All used materials are fully recycled and can me reused after dismantling.
LOCATION
The location is a public plot occupied by residential garages until last year (currently demolished). It is situated near the Kruczkowskiego and 3 Maja Street in Powiśle, 100m away from a popular Warsaw club – Warszawa Powiśle. Moreover, there is a cycle and walking path that is a part of a bigger urban plan – Cultural Park – that stretches at the foot of the Warsaw scarp. The pavilion is also located at the border of a hot spot park area (2011 saw the Dolina Muminków café-club initiative) and near Arkada – popular shopping centre in Powiśle.

MERCEDES STATION
WHY private commission
WHERE Kruczkowskiego and 3 Maja Street, Warszawa
WHEN design 2013
WHO
WWAA:
Marcin Mostafa
Natalia Paszkowska
Michał Bartnicki
Agnieszka Dąbek
photos by Paula Urbanek and WWAA