The project was created as part of an architectural competition for the development of the site of the former Flora market in Jelenia Góra. The goal was to create a high-quality public space, combining the functions of a space for commerce and a place for daily activities of local and all-city residents. The end of the "flora" market in its old form opens up the possibility of reinventing the form of small trade in the city center and putting quality public space in the hands of residents.
The Flora market takes its name from Emil Weinholdt's flower store, which existed in that location before World War II. In the postwar era, the area left over from Weinholdt's gardens was developed as amarket square. Well-connected by its direct proximity to Market Square and Bankowa Street, it functioned this way until the 2000s. Unfortunately, thegrowth of big-box retail and shopping malls led to a gradual reduction incustomers and the consequent closure of the market. The square is also thelargest free area in the immediate vicinity of Jelenia Gora's Old Town. As itstands now, it measures about 180 x 90m - a size comparable to Jelenia Gora's most important public space - the Old Market Square.
The design combines classical architectural elements such as arcades, staircases, and an interior garden, and urban elements such as a park, plaza, and market. In doing so, it remains firmly rooted in the local context. The modular structure, which draws on the characteristic arcades flanking the Jelenia Góra market, can be a canopy for functions such as open-air retail, but also - enclosed by storefronts - create enclosed premises.
The architecture is based on three elements firmly rooted in the tradition of building in mountainous areas: the pedestal, the frame structure and the roof. Each of these elements has been reinterpreted. The heavy plinth forms the base for the visually lightweight frame structure carrying the roof. The skeletal structure of the first floor section is based on a reinforced concrete frame in a form reminiscent of the Market Square arcade. The roof is designed to be flat so that it can allow for a green roof that also serves as a viewing terrace. A 6x6 grid delineates the underground garage and the service and retail area, and delineates the interior garden and arcade. These spaces, due to the proportions of the plot, are ellipses measuring 84x36m and 96x48m. The open arcades create a bypass for the inner garden and a covered service entrance area. The use of a frame structure and a common module allows for multiple scenarios of space division for services and retail.
Due to its prominence, resulting from its size and central location, the square after the "Flora" market can become a multifunctional urbanspace serving both the residents of the district and the entire city. The project tried to present a variety of functions possible within the set spatial structure, such as smaller service establishments, outdoor retail space, multipurpose hall for sports and cultural activities and recreational space in form of the internal garden. The project envisages the possibility of using a green roof with a view of the mountain panorama. The concept also take sadvantage of terrain conditions - an underground parking lot is envisioned as acomplementary feature, which actually benefits from a natural slope. Due to its location right next to the Market Square, a public parking lot could also servethe Old Town, freeing up public space currently used as off-road parking lots.
The project envisages the possibility of using a green roof with a view of the mountain panorama. The concept also take sadvantage of terrain conditions - an underground parking lot is envisioned as acomplementary feature, which actually benefits from a natural slope. Due to its location right next to the Market Square, a public parking lot could also servethe Old Town, freeing up public space currently used as off-road parking lots.
