MVRDV to renovate WWII surviving building in poland

rotterdam-based architecture studio MVRDV has released its proposed design for the renovation of a 19th-century building located on the słodowa island in wrocław, poland. the design preserves the façade of the existing building while adding a contemporary extension to the rear, generating a new focal point for the neighboring park and a new tourist destination.

all images © MVRDV

dubbed the ‘concordia hub,’ the listed heritage building sits on słodowa, an island used by the german army as a base for artillery in 1945. the building itself is notable as the only remaining survivor as most of the built structures on the island were destroyed or demolished during the siege of breslau in the final months of world war II. today, the rest of the island serves as a popular public park at the heart of the city and hosts several festivals and cultural events.

the design proposed for the concordia hub by MVRDV respects the building’s history while aiming to bring the structure to the future. the formal side of the building features the retained façade while the new extension that faces the park showcases a more transparent, modern and inviting attitude. triple-height stepped voids at both ends of the building provide a grand entrances space, hosting a cafe in the existing structure and a food hall in the extension. the rest of the building will host co-working spaces, while the upper floor will feature an open-air terrace with nonstop views to the city.

‘the location of the concordia hub is truly special. it’s a privilege to renovate this historic building in one of wrocław’s cultural and leisure hotspots,’ says nathalie de vries, principal and co-founder of MVRDV. ‘but while it’s important to recognize and respect the city’s existing heritage, our design is also about looking to the future and adding a new piece of well-appreciated architecture to słodowa island.’