Project of the integrated tram and train stop for Euro 2012, photo: Maćków Pracownia Projektowa SP. Z O.O. Source: www.mackow.pl
The Wrocław Transfer Tunnel has been selected as one of the most appealing architectural projects in the world.
The transportation transfer system built for the Euro 2012 soccer stadium in Wrocław has been shortlisted for one of the world's most prestigious architecture awards, the World Architecture Festival.
Wrocławski Węzeł Przesiadkowy (Integrated tram and train stop for Euro 2012, WWP) was completed in the spring of 2012, and was a collaboration between Maćków Pracowni Projektowej and Piotr Fokczyński, the chief architect of Wroclaw.
The structure was built next to the Municipal Stadium in Wrocław, which was built for the Euro 2012 football championship, and is designed to support large-scale events taking place in the arena. The structure includes dynamically shaped flyovers and footbridges includes a tram stop, a railway station, bike parking, transitions and ramps. Fans can move between the stadium and tram stop in an easy, safe and convenient manner.
From the beginning, the architects stressed that although the complex is purely utilitarian, their intention was to create an architectural piece, not just a place where people can wait for the next tram. Hence the decision to grant it full expressive character. The structure was constructed from raw concrete, while the roofing system penetrates the space. The industrial concrete look is completed with elements of steel: thin railing pillars, supporting the roof of the bus stops. The materials used enhance the dynamic and very light structure, which corresponds to the solid concrete frame of the Municipal Stadium in Wrocław.
WWP is not the first Polish project to be nominated for the WAF awards. Other Polish designs previously in the running for the award include the still-under-construction Concert hall Jordanek in Toruń (design by Menis Arquitectos) as well as the Museum of Latin American Immigrants by architect Maciej Jakub Zawadzki. This year's nominee, Zbigniew Maćków, is a true veteran of the awards, having already been nominated three times: The Renoma department store in Wrocław in 2010 as well as the Na Skarpie Sports Hall in Bytom, and Thespian office and residential building in Wrocław a year later.
The jury of the World Architecture Festival in Singapore will decide on a winner between the 3rd and 5th of October.
Editor: Roberto Galea
Source: Press release