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Architects: PL.Architekci
- Year: 2012
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Photographs:Bartosz Makowski
Text description provided by the architects. FALA PARK is a sports & recreation centre situated in the small and picturesque town of Wolsztyn, Poland famous as the location of a locomotive roundhouse. The new centre has been built on a former brownfield site bordering an historic park and offering views to a nearby lake.
Our intention was to take full advantage of the sites location by creating visual connections from the building to its attractive surroundings with the main internal spaces requiring natural light having views towards the lake. A rooftop tennis court – Poland’s first - offers users an exciting platform to admire the far-reaching panorama of the town’s historic church towers and dense rooftops.
The form and massing of the building is derived from the spatial requirements of the sporting functions within. Although initially FALA PARK was supposed to be enclosed, we persuaded the investors to keep it open and welcoming; creating a new, inviting and energetic public space that seeks to strengthen the connections between the town, the park and the lake.
Along with the rooftop tennis court, FALA PARK accommodates: 4 bowling alleys, 2 squash courts, a full height climbing wall, a gym with spin and fitness studios, a children’s play area, a mini-golf course, a cafe, and bike and Segway hire.
The building has been wrapped with semi-translucent, vertical brise-soleil panels arranged to create an expressive modular façade whilst reducing solar gain. Because the plot was too small to locate tennis court on the ground, we decided to put him on the roof. To protect people on the ground before falling tennis ball we design 8m high cage, whih is also a construction for shutters below.
Thanks this we have court tennis witch picturesque view for old town, park and lake! It’s tennis on ”higher level” ;) Inside, contemporary and vivid interiors have been used to enable easy orientation within the entwining yet distinctive buildings functions. Bright accent colours and clear graphics and signage were used throughout to appeal to users of all ages.
A striking, green climbing wall, which can be seen throughout the building dominates the main interior space and acts as a notional ‘core’ and way-finding device for users. The climbing walls distinctive form is also playfully expressed in the treatment of the stairs, furniture and other elements of the building. Even though FALA PARK was completed on a very tight budget (jointly founded by EU grants and private equity) we believe we have succeeded in delivering a contemporary, playful and contextual building.
