OLD RUMIA CENTRE
1ST PLACE IN THE COMPETITION FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL AND URBAN DESIGN CONCEPT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OLD RUMIA CITY CENTER AREA IN RUMIA
Project team: Maciej Taczalski, Karolina Taczalska, Mateusz Cyganek, Agnieszka Filipowicz, Artur Piórek, Mateusz Olesiewicz, Jakub Szymański, Zuzanna Gruszecka, Anna Tsurkan
When designing the new vision of the Old Rumia city center, our goal was to create a human-oriented district- one rooted in local tradition and making use of the potential of existing spaces, functions, and activities.
Each of the spaces was designed with its unique character in mind. Kaszubski Square became the main public space, referring to its historical layout while simultaneously creating a place for relaxation and neighborhood meetings. The green corridor along the Zagórska Stream takes advantage of its exceptional connection with the river, bringing nature closer to people through a pedestrian and cycling route. Plac wolności is filled with biodiverse forms of greenery, educational gardens, and various activities- from playgrounds to an open air summer cinema. The Remsche Renk Market, thanks to its flexible structure, offers a high quality space for local vendors as well as opportunities to host events, fairs, and seasonal celebrations.
All these places together form a vibrant and diverse city center that responds to the needs of a wide range of users: from students of the nearby school and seniors visiting the community center to neighbors seeking meeting places and local entrepreneurs. A true multifunctional city center with a strong local identity that encourages residents to step outside their homes and co-create the shared heart of Old Rumia.
When designing public spaces, we took into account not only their aesthetics but also a broader design dimension: nature, comfort, activity, identity, sustainability, inclusivity, and supervision. The goal was to ensure that the new center of Old Rumia would not only be visually appealing but also in harmony with nature, full of life, welcoming to all residents regardless of age or physical ability, environmentally friendly, and celebrating the local Kashubian identity.
For the new transportation system to be fully accepted by residents and to avoid resistance, new initiatives supporting alternative modes of movement are needed – for example pedestrian and cycling connections, easy access to public transport, city bike and scooter rentals, bicycle racks, and accessibility of public spaces for people with disabilities.
The market design was created in the spirit of continuing local trading traditions. The goal is to create a place where the same vendors currently operating can continue their work, while expanding the program to include social and cultural events. The market thus becomes a multifunctional space- open to commerce, meetings, and community integration.
