Architecture student at the Silesian University of Technology designs the extension of the Zabrze Art Mine
The revitalisation of the Tadeusz shaft and the creation of two viewing platforms on it, the construction of a glass building into which the old engine room building would be integrated as well as the development of the surrounding area - these are the proposals included in the project for the expansion of the Kopalnia Sztuki (transl. Art. Mine) in Zabrze-Biskupice, which was created by a fifth-year architecture student at the Silesian University of Technology. The project was the engineering thesis of Marta Śpiewok.
Ms Śpiewok's project concerns part of the area of the former Ludwik mine in Zabrze Biskupice. The area includes, among others, the old Tadeusz shaft and the mine's engine room. In the neighbouring building houses, there is the Art. Mine association, which promotes the post-industrial heritage of the region. The student's project concerns the expansion of the Art. Mine by connecting it with the Tadeusz shaft and a new building.
- In my engineering thesis I wanted to deal with post-industrial areas, so that my topic would be associated with Silesia, because I identify very much with this place. My family speaks Silesian, I also have a Silesian surname, and that is why I wanted a work to be connected with Silesia," says Marta Śpiewok.
Project of Śpiewok, Eng. concerns the revitalisation of the old Tadeusz shaft and the industrial connector leading from the Art Mine building to the shaft, as well as the construction of a new glazed building into which the old engine room building would be integrated. The new building would house a Mediateka (transl. media library), a restaurant and recreational space and a mezzanine on the roof, where concerts and cultural events could take place.
- Very often, post-industrial buildings are in disrepair and neglect, and I wanted to show that they can be developed and used because they have potential. For example, in the Mediateka, films related to the history of mining, old maps or photographs could be viewed on mobile devices or monitors," says engineer Śpiewok.
The student's project also includes the revitalisation of the Tadeusz shaft and the creation of two viewing platforms. One in the middle of the shaft and the other at the top, from where the surrounding panorama can be admired. The project also provides for numerous plantings around the shaft and the new building, mainly low greenery.
The idea of designing the expansion of the Art. Mine in Zabrze came to the student's mind from Anna Sulimowska-Ociepka, Phd, Eng. of Architecture, who was also the thesis supervisor.
