THIRD PRIZE WINNER!
Kinga Gałązka & Martyna Ćwiąkała
Kinga Gałązka and Martyna Ćwiąkała are third-year architecture students at the Silesian University of Technology. At the early stage of their professional journey, they view architectural design as a platform for learning, personal development, and the realization of their creative ambitions.
Interview with the Winner
Introduction
We are Kinga Gałązka and Martyna Ćwiąkała, third-year architecture students at the Silesian University of Technology. Although we are at the beginning of our professional journey, we see architectural design as a space for learning, personal growth, and the pursuit of our ambitions.
The very theme of the competition inspired us to participate — Poland is rich in traditional rural landscapes, and our goal was to highlight their beauty and capture their unique character through architectural interpretation.
Design Concept
The choice of location came naturally — the image of the Polish countryside immediately brought to mind The Peasants (Chłopi) by Władysław Reymont, a novel deeply rooted in rural life. We chose the village of Lipce, the real-life setting of the story and the site of a historical open-air museum. The main concept was to merge literary heritage with the function of a contemporary library.
Understanding the Rural Context
The architectural form symbolizes a book — a glass façade as a cover that invites entry, and an interior that reveals the "content." The structure is divided into five segments, referencing traditional rural farmstead buildings. The design is conceived as one with its environment — the agricultural landscape, the rhythm of the seasons (mirroring the novel’s division into four volumes), and local fauna are all integrated into the project. The surroundings do not merely frame the design; they flow into it and become part of it — through open fields, natural materials, and the presence of animals.
Integration with Nature
Nature is an integral component of the design concept. Elements of the rural landscape are directly embedded into the project — agricultural fields not only surround the library but also extend into it, creating a seamless transition between built and natural environments. The presence of farm animals within the complex is also envisioned, enhancing the interaction between users and the surrounding ecosystem. The entire structure is designed in timber construction, referencing traditional materials commonly used in both historical rural architecture and the adjacent open-air museum.
Functionality & Community Engagement
The complex is divided into five functional units: the main library, a dining area, an auditorium, and reading spaces. We aimed to address a variety of user needs, including a dedicated listening room — a space focused on auditory perception. The layout also enables thematic events and gatherings. The openness of the complex makes it accessible to both the local community and tourists visiting the adjacent heritage site.
Sustainable & Contextual Design
The project incorporates several sustainable strategies — from photovoltaic panels to more advanced technologies, such as piezoelectric floor tiles that generate energy from footsteps.
Design Process & Challenges
The design process was smooth and deeply engaging. Shared ideas and a unified vision made collaboration both motivating and enjoyable. Following the creation of initial sketches, we quickly moved on to building a physical model and began developing the entire architectural concept. Although the work was demanding and time-intensive, we remained committed until the very end, fully invested in the potential of our proposal. The final result affirmed that the effort was both meaningful and worthwhile.
Reflections on Winning
Participating in this competition was an opportunity to test and validate our ideas and skills in practice. Receiving third place is a great honor and a strong motivation to continue our development. We believe that, regardless of one’s stage in the profession, good ideas and the courage to pursue them are what truly matter.
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