The Lokum Porto development is situated in the western part of Wrocław, on a site that previously operated as a car market. As technological advancements transformed the automotive industry and shifted the way cars and spare parts were sold, the car market gradually declined. This left a large, underutilized area in a prime city-center location, offering significant potential for redevelopment and revitalization.
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Gold 🏆 Winner
Global Future Design Awards 2024
Lokum Porto
Urban Design (Under Construction)
Firm
Artur Szczepaniak
Architect/Designer
Artur Szczepaniak
Design Team
AP Szczepaniak team
Location
Wrocław, Poland
Country
Poland
Photographer/Copyright
©AP Szczepaniak
The site’s location along the Odra River provides the development with access to picturesque riverfront areas, including riverside paths, promenades, ports, and marinas. This prime setting not only connects the investment to the river but also provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city center, blending urban convenience with natural serenity.
The area is well-connected by public transportation thanks to the recently built tram route and bus stops, as well as the Wrocław Szczepin railway station located near the investment, as it was dedicated to the investment.
Our winning concept is inspired by an organic leaf-shaped design, where the stream mimics the veins of a leaf, guiding users through various recreational spaces towards the riverside areas. This natural flow enhances the connection between the development and its environment, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and nature.
The main premise of the project was to create appropriate and diverse spaces for residents with a good microclimate; open, public, semi-private, and all in a scale suitable for the planned venture close to the city center.
The main axis of the project, along with the water stream, guides residents through the entire development from the public square—the entrance to the estate from Długa Street—to the areas near Grobla Kozanowska and the Oder riverbanks. From this axis, the buildings gradually rise outward, creating interesting view openings and arcades. Services located along the main pedestrian route enhance the functional attractiveness of the development.
Each space between the buildings is individually designed with dedicated greenery to diversify the recreational program of the estate. There are numerous gardens, playgrounds for children of different age groups, a bocce court, outdoor gyms, squares and gardens for service establishments, and a pedestrian and bicycle path. On the river side, the architecture has been designed with a more organic approach through the use of green walls and a double facade with wood-like panels. This area was emphasized due to its location near the largest recreational space of the development and the riverfront. A similar approach was taken with the commercial buildings on the railway side; their different function has been matched with a different facade design featuring louvers. Color accents in yellow-orange-ochre tones, gradiently distributed across the buildings, reference the colors of the setting sun, warming the architecture and creating a gentle pattern that changes as one moves through the development.