Żerański Park

The Żerański Park will be built on the post-industrial terrain of the Żerański Port. The former port, although never completed, was intensively used in the past. Now, abandoned by the industry, is taken over by the nature. Our design aims to retain various elements of its industrial past, and  expose it in the new context, which will surprise visitors.

The Żerański Park is a response to the demand of the residents of new housing estates constructed in recent years in the neighbourhood. The new green area will provide places of recreation and contact with nature, which are currently lacking. Like other parks in Warsaw, it is to become main public space and the central point of the identity for this part of the district.

Several small pavilions will be constructed to house gastronomic, sports and social functions as well as a viewpoint tower. Their architecture will refer to the very specific industrial heritage of Żerań: the river port and concrete construction industry (production of prefab concrete elements). The remnants of their failed components, abandoned years ago on the embankments, are now littering the park. We will reuse them as an attractive elements of the park. The landscape architecture and pavilions – will refer to elements of large panel system-building (technologies, materials, forms). In time all the structures will be absorbed by the nature – overgrown by bushes and trees. The open architecture of the pavilions will allow them to be fully integrated with its environment.

Our aim is to preserve the bulk of existing vegetation and develop its potential. Due to the presence of highly degraded fragments of forest, a program of long-term forest stand conversion will be implemented to increase its natural values and remove threats to people. Natural grasslands and meadows will be introduced. The aquatic vegetation will be enriched by partial reconstruction of the existing embankments, creating habitats for animals.

Designed plantings refer to the existing vegetation and support the recovery of the post-industrial landscape by semi-natural measures. In the park, playgrounds of various forms have been proposed: a splash pod, a naturalistic forest, or a rope and a bridge arcade. In addition, there are zones dedicated to anglers, rowing competitions fans, dogs and their owners, enthusiasts of outdoor exercise, or those seeking relaxation on the beach or at a family picnic. The park will serve both local residents as well as a wider range of users – cyclists, canoeists, and passengers of a water bus.