House of the Silesian Community. Adaptation of post-industrial sites in Bytom.

A complicated history and resource potential motivated the development of Upper Silesia. Technological progress forced changes in employment structure and guided the fate of local urban planning - highly linked to industry. Post-industrial zones, which used to be vibrant centers, now remain closed and buildings are forgotten. An example is the Bobrek Steelworks, active until 1994 in Bytom. When it operated the estate was treated as a common good. Today it is associated with poverty and social problems. This has serious effects, not only for the residents but also for the architecture itself.

The design is an expression of respect for the surroundings, is intended to harmonize and complement the local urban planning. It follows the proportions of traditional workers' houses and is inspired by Silesian folklore. The building is divided into three zones; a two-story main part, an underground parking and a service pavilion. An extensive park has also been arranged. It was important to refer to the former function, which was much more than a simple workplace - the heart of the neighborhood's life. To this end, among other things, the characteristic retaining wall was reconstructed along with the existing graffiti. However, this wall is not a barrier, on the opposite - it intrigue and invite visitors. Archival photos from the mill's glory years were used as a guide. Building includes an exhibition space, workshops and an auditorium connected to an outdoor cinema. There is also space for career counseling, psychologist or lawyer support. The day care center is linked to the external recreation area, as well as a local market and a café. The roof was used for a community garden. The industry, in addition to its many benefits to the economy and residents, has also brought a lot of damage to the environment. Special attention was paid to ecological solutions. Recycled concrete, demolition bricks and wood were applied. The project tries to draw attention to the problem of degradation of Silesian architecture - so interesting, unique, worthy of note. Places like this should first be revitalized to prevent exclusion, equalize social opportunities and protect cultural heritage. The object is a form of showing the possible way of developing places with a difficult history. It captures the complicated fate of the neighborhood while trying to take care of its better future.