The project presents an architectural concept for the conversion of an existing building into an office building for the City of Warsaw, along with a concept for the development of the courtyard. One of the key considerations influencing the design of such facilities is the need to separate the easily accessible and welcoming public space from the controlled yet functional office area. Appropriate connections were achieved by adjusting vertical circulation. In accordance with the City Hall’s guidelines, the design retains one elevator in the main lobby, but it is used solely to provide visitors with direct access to conference rooms on floors +1 through +4. It is proposed that the Client consider the need to retain this elevator, as it appears unnecessary since the elevators located in the building wings provide full passenger and technical access to all levels and can successfully take over the functionality of the elevator in the center of the lobby. For the above reasons, functional connections for both solutions have been presented.
The building will be aesthetically pleasing and welcoming
The impressive and striking entrance hall will be highlighted by the inclusion of an information area and a rest/waiting area; the rich and distinctive architectural details of the ceiling and floor will be meticulously restored and accentuated by the contrast of modern, minimalist furniture introduced into the interior. The use of glazing with minimal reflection will allow for proper orientation within the building’s layout from the very entrance, while also allowing deep penetration of natural light into the spaces accessible to customers. This will create a sense of openness and accessibility. The entire building is accessible to people with disabilities.
The main customer service hall is centrally located within the building. By relocating the elevators, it has become possible to visually connect the entrance lobby with the hall. The customer waiting area is a clearly defined space—a diamond-shaped layout illuminated by natural light from four sides—and allows for quick orientation using a visual information system that guides visitors to the correct service counter.
The other two service areas are visually connected to the main customer service area and are located on the side facing Starynkiewicza Square, allowing customers to easily find their way around and enjoy the surrounding greenery of the square. The rest of the ground floor facing Starynkiewicza Square is also designated for customers and houses conference rooms/meeting rooms as well as offices dedicated to direct customer service.
The customer service areas consist of a structured sequence of spaces throughout the building’s ground floor: – an entrance hall that also serves as a customer information desk, – a main hall with service counters and a waiting area, – separate, soundproofed private consultation rooms accessible directly from the main hall and the entrance area, – a cashier’s desk and service counter accessible from the main hall and the entrance area. Additionally, the wing facing Starynkiewicza Square houses two conference rooms with a waiting area and offices dedicated to direct customer service. All of the above-mentioned areas are accessible to people with disabilities and feature restroom facilities, as well as a nursing room. To achieve a transparent and customer-friendly space, the interior was designed to maximize natural light, incorporate greenery, and utilize glass partitions with maximum transparency. Light-colored finishing materials and artificial lighting in daylight tones logically complement the interior concept. The workspaces for staff on the ground floor have been organized so that, wherever functionally justified, a controlled staff communication zone without customer contact is provided—access to the cashier’s desk, the submission counter, and service stations on the staff side. The zoning principle is illustrated in the access diagrams—yellow indicates the customer area, purple indicates the office area, and red indicates elevators and stairwells, including areas with restricted access, such as the basement.