Background

‘MY WARSAW?’ was a series of Future City Games in Warsaw on the identity of the city, the placement of culture and business within the Polish capital, and the issue of centralisation within the city. The games were part of Warsaw's preparations for the title of the European Capital of Culture 2016.

Third game, entitled “MY WARSAW? – zoom in on Bródno. Scenarios for the Bródno Sculpture Park”, was held on the 10th and 11th of December at the ‘Swit’ Culture Centre on Piotra Wysockiego Street.
 

Objectives

The purpose of the game was to consider how to fully utilise the potential of Bródno Sculpture Park in order for it to become a more friendly place for residents. The players developed the idea of the Park as a place where social and cultural layers coexist. The ideas generated will be taken into consideration in Warsaw’s attempt to become the European Capital of Culture for 2016.

Winning idea

A light on the park and its history

The main problems in the park are vandalism and security, which is why it needs more light. The artificial lighting could have a form connected to the idea of a sculpture park. Not only does the park itself need more light - it would also be useful to shed  light on the history and present issues of the district. This solution could build up the identity of the district, and create a local community. The park alleys could be named after certain personalities or characters, which would enable a better spatial organisation of the park.

Winning ideas from the other teams

We create our space together – a social project

The greatest potential of the park is hidden in its ability to integrate residents with the district authorities and artists. It could become the centre for social and cultural activity. The sculptures in the park lack descriptions, most residents do not understand their purpose or why are they there. Residents should be engaged in the creation of the park through workshops, art tours through the park, and perhaps becoming involved in deciding what art works should be in the park.

Live healthy in the Sculpture Park

The main reason for damage to the sculptures could be anger and lack of understanding that have no other outlets. This idea seeks to create a possible outlet in the form of active repose. The park should contain machines for physical workouts for people to use during their walks in the park. Tai Chi and yoga workouts should be organised, as well as introducing jogging paths into the park. The park should also be functional in winter – small ice-skating rinks could be easily organised. If somebody prefers graffiti to sports, they will be able to paint on a specially designated walls in the park. The whole new structure would be described and mapped so that residents would know what is available while visiting the park.

Café in the park

A place where one could drink tea, talk, read a newspaper, use the toilet – a cafe in the park could meet these needs. It would be more of a social and cultural centre than a restaurant. It would be equipped with exhibition spaces and social rooms, where neighbours could meet and talk. The project of the building should be designated through a contest, but it should be connected to the park and the idea of sculpture.

Our park – our home

In order to function properly, the park should be like a home. Entrances should be equipped with a description of the idea of the park and a visual system of information. The living room would be the main avenue reserved for cultural events such as movie screenings, concerts etc. New cafes would become the kitchens of the park, and there would be new public toilets.