Estrada Poznańska – Architecture
The goal of the renovation of the Estrada Poznańska building at 8/8a Masztalarska Street in Poznań is to create a center that serves as a significant artistic and cultural hub on the city’s map.
In the presented concept, we outline two parallel lines of action:
1. Appropriate utilization of the building’s historical potential through renovation, adaptation, and adjustment of its spaces to the functional requirements defined by the program. The adaptation and adjustment will be achieved by maximizing the potential of the existing historic rooms without, as a rule, interfering with their structural and architectural integrity, and by adapting the specific new functions to this potential. All adaptations and renovation work will be carried out in a minimalist manner—both in terms of architecture and spatial layout as well as the building fabric.
2. Creating new potential for the functional spatial fabric by adding new architectural elements, taking advantage of the building’s reconstruction. The new spaces and architectural elements will also employ the language of minimalist functionalism, so that the forms and materials used do not compete with the historic fabric, details, and materials, but rather harmonize with them while remaining distinct. The newly created spaces will, for example, enable the perfect functioning of a new multipurpose hall and courtyard, allowing for the convenient arrangement of program elements within the revitalized and modernly equipped structure of the historic building. Naturally, it is our ambition that both aspects of the planned revitalization and expansion, described above, will lead—with full respect for and preservation of the historic fabric—to the creation of new architectural, cultural, functional, material, and aesthetic value. Details of this vision are illustrated in the perspectives and visualizations of our project. The idea behind this project is also not only to fully meet contemporary standards for performance, exhibition, and office spaces, but also, by making the spaces accessible and open, to enable the widest possible audience to have full and satisfying contact with the performing arts and other activities of the Estrada.
Justification for the adopted concept, proposed functional and spatial solutions:
The basis for the adopted spatial solution is the fact that the current auditorium, the so-called “Upper Floor Hall,” was created by converting a former dining hall, retaining its dimensions and glazing, but with poor visibility despite the addition of steps; it also lacks accessibility for people with disabilities. In our assessment, attempts to improve the hall’s parameters are not feasible, and the hall’s architectural qualities and features are at odds with the requirements for its multifunctionality and technology, given the expected capacity of at least 223 people. Therefore, we propose relocating the main hall to a different site while simultaneously appreciating and utilizing the architectural qualities of the current hall. This creates a layout of two halls with complementary features:
A Lower amphitheater-style hall accessible from the ground floor and “-1” level: 1. easily accessible from a separate foyer; 2. perfectly soundproofed – the “box-in-box” principle; 3. additionally, the hall has been equipped with a side green room for artists; 4. the hall is served by a backstage circulation system ensuring easy operation and access, e.g., from the dressing rooms; 5. a separate, dedicated foyer on level “0” with an additional bar and catering
B. Upper hall with a flat floor: 1. accessible from level +1; 2. multi-purpose – exhibitions, banquets, dance, experimental theater; 3. with a connection enabling easy delivery of large-scale equipment; 4. with a side dressing room; 5. with a direct connection to the artists’ dressing rooms. This solution ensures flexibility as well as the diversity and simultaneous hosting of Estrada events; additionally, thanks to the specific configuration of the hall layout and circulation routes, a third hall—the so-called Courtyard Hall—has effectively been created.
C. Courtyard Hall: 1. accessible as a foyer directly from the entrance; 2. multi-purpose—exhibitions, banquets, dance, acrobatics.
How the project relates to the historical context:
The tenement houses at 8 and 8a Masztalarska Street in Poznań are under conservation protection pursuant to their entry in the register of monuments of the urban and architectural complex of Poznań’s Old Town, Decision No. A225 of June 4, 1979. Both tenement houses were built in 1910–11 according to a design by architect Martin Sonnabend, who was also their first owner. The building at 8a Masztalarska Street originally housed the Friedrichshof Hotel, while the current Scena na Piętrze was formerly a restaurant space. The project calls for the valuable interiors and facades to be meticulously restored.
Historical values will be maximally highlighted through:
– restoring the original character of the “Sala na Piętrze” as a flat-ceilinged space, e.g., a restaurant, and utilizing the benefits of natural light,
– preserving the characteristic vaulted form in the Oko/Ucho Gallery and creating a multifunctional/conference room with backstage facilities.
The room’s functionality will be improved by installing a raised floor to conceal telecommunications systems and an additional side storage area.
The project adapts to the building’s spatial context by:
– revitalizing the courtyard space, which has gained functionality thanks to a light canopy,
– improving circulation: the layout of public functions distributed around the building’s perimeter has gained a circulatory hub in the form of light stairs and a viewing gallery overlooking the courtyard.
– revitalizing the roof above the current Upstairs Hall and the Eye-Ear Hall, which, thanks to structural reinforcement, has acquired the characteristics of a public space with an attractive view of the town hall tower as well as into the courtyard.
– Creation of a flat roof on the northern annex as a terrace with optimal sunlight and attractive views toward the Market Square—a relaxation/viewing terrace also serving to foster integration among residents of the building’s residential section.
– Planning a small, lightweight superstructure on the green roof for technical equipment, shaping it so as not to impair the natural lighting of the apartments in the adjacent block.
– Creating a clear connection between the courtyard and the outdoor activity space of the Estrada, i.e., Roman Wilhelmi Square.
The project’s intent is to establish the building’s identity by linking its design and spatial layout to its function: hence the theatrical arrangement of balconies/galleries, the potential use of an acoustic system à la “confetti” on the courtyard walls, a light and colorful membrane—time-varying LED lighting — above the courtyard, symbolically referencing the light canopy of a circus tent. The design of the public zone within the building, featuring “inward-facing” plus viewing balconies/communication galleries, creates a unique relationship between observers and the observed, blurring the distinctions between the performer and the audience—an interpretation of the idea of the “society of the spectacle.” In the courtyard, it is proposed to install a “permanent stage”—a space available for public performances and presentations—thus realizing the idea of stage egalitarianism both in the audience and on the podium.