Background

The Warsaw Future City Game, which was played at the Transformations Art Festival, was one of the four games incorporated into Warsaw's preparation for the title of the European Capital of Culture 2016. The theme of the game was: ‘Vision-Vistula! The river that links Warsaw’. It was devoted to finding a solution to the accessibility of the Warsaw Vistula River.
 

Objectives

The participants were seeking the best and most innovative ideas that the authorities and residents can implement to make dreams about the Vistula come true. They addressed such questions as how to integrate both parts of the city with the River; how to unite the actions of institutions and organisations operating in the area around the Vistula; and how to include artists and residents.

The game was co-organised by the Transformations Art Festival and Warsaw City Council - European Capital of Culture Warsaw 2016. 

Winning idea

Floating Pavilions

The winning idea attracts Warsaw’s residents and tourists to the Vistula River by introducing floating pavilions, while at the same time not interfering with the wildlife character of the river. The pavilions would be mobile and could be moored in different parts of the River and consequently attract people from various parts of the city. Pavilions would consists of modules with shifting walls, they could be arranged according to their purpose. One module may function as a café or a restaurant; others might be used as concert stages, places for meetings, debates, workshops, theatre performances, art events, etc. To attract even more visitors, the team proposed a festival should take place on the pavilions – “Four Seasons on the Vistula”.
 

Winning ideas from the other teams

Warsaw on the Beach

This idea focuses on the banks of the Vistula in the area of Czerniakowski Port and creates a new meeting point in a beautiful environment. The team decided to transform the beaches along the banks and offer visitors the chance to rent recreational equipment, such as volleyballs, water sports equipment, etc.

Vistula Centre for Information and Animation

This centre would become a central point of information about activities taking place along the Vistula and would connect the network of pavilions placed on both banks. The pavilions, serving as cultural centres, would enrich the cultural offer, but also encourage sports activities by offering rentals of water sports equipment. A diverse offer would attract more residents to this beautiful part of 
Warsaw.

Vistula’s Cubic – Artist in Residence  

The idea is connected to the concept of artists-in-residence and includes artists and residents in the development of the area around the Vistsula. Vistula’s Cubic, a modern lightweight construction, would host invited artists-in-residence. The artists would live in the construction for a couple of months, creating a socially engaged project with the residents of Warsaw.