The traditions of typical Silesian brick architecture can be observed on the building of the Radio and TV Faculty of Silesia University, which has just been named the best brick building of the world at the Brick Award 2020 competition. In the latest episode of our PACE X HYPEANDHYPER series, we take a look around this building.
The building of the Krzysztof Kieslowski Faculty of Radio and TV of Silesia University, located in Katowice, Upper Silesia, Poland was designed by three architect studios, namely Spanish BAAS and two Polish teams, Grupa 5 and Małeccy between two old tenement houses. There used to be a single-story brick building on the lot, commissioned to be demolished by the client, but the architects rather opted for incorporating it into the designs, and the building ended up being the library of the institution.
The monumental new building encompassing classrooms, studios, rehearsal rooms and a canteen as well as a small cinema for screenings does not only resonate with the old building, but with the aesthetics of the entire street, full of brick buildings.
However, the design of the façade is not only a result of aesthetic considerations, as the ceramic lattice-skin structure also promotes energy efficiency. Here we can once again observe harmony between two opposing qualities: the robust design is balanced by delicate details and materials.
The international architect team recycled a characteristic industrial building complex and adapted it into a university facility, by also preserving its ambience. The building offers many sympathetic gestures towards its environment: it is precisely adjusted to the size of its neighbors, while its characteristic ceramic façade also connects it to its environment on a broader, spiritual horizon. The artisan care appearing on the level of details gives a nice balance to the problems raised by the large volume.architect and assistant professor András Márk Bartha DLA
In our series PACE X Hype and Hyper, we will showcase a prominent contemporary public building from the Central Eastern European region each week.
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