© KWK Promes
The winning proposal has just been announced for an extension to the Bunkier Sztuki (“Bunker of Arts”) contemporary art gallery in Cracow, Poland. Out of 33 entries in the international competition, the underground design by Robert Konieczny – KWK Promes has been selected to be executed in the heart of Cracow’s Old Town.
© KWK Promes
The proposal includes a new 3900–square meter exhibition space in front of the existing building with moveable slabs and an elevatable roof, which can be adjusted according to program. This ultra-modern mechanical system allows for interaction between the exhibition space and the city: the roof can be lifted to give the gallery a direct physical connection to the street level. Meanwhile, by eliminating a superstructure to the extension, the architects have given deference to the existing building. The intervention also includes a plan to refurbish the historical gallery to reveal its original brutalist form.
© KWK Promes
© KWK Promes
Situated in one of Poland’s most culturally vibrant cities, Bunkier Sztuki is a rare icon of Polish brutalism. Since its founding in Planty Park in 1965, the gallery has undergone several alterations, including a cafeteria pavilion directly in front of the exhibition space. The planned restoration will eliminate all unnecessary additions and return the building to its initial intent.
© KWK Promes
- Architects: KWK Promes
- Location: plac Szczepański 3A, 33-332 Kraków, Poland
- Architect In Charge: Robert Konieczny
- Design Team: Dorota Żurek, Michał Lisiński
- Collaborators: Dariusz Dziwak, Krzysztof Kobiela
- Area: 3888.55 sqm
- Project Year: 2016
- Photographs: KWK Promes
News via: KWK Promes
Sig Nordal 