Lucky together. Project of an animal care facility with a community center for seniors on Miodowa Street in Szczecin

Academy of Art in Szczecin / Akademia Sztuki w Szczecinie

Dominika Zawojska-Kuriata

Idea projektu

The 'Lucky Together' project is based on the concept of Coexisting Architecture, creating a safe and specialized environment where the needs of seniors and shelter animals meet. Located at Miodowa Street in Szczecin, the facility provides a vital social hub where the elderly can spend their time actively among peers and animals, effectively counteracting social isolation. Its strategic positioning balances urban accessibility with immediate proximity to nature, offering a peaceful retreat from city noise while remaining well-connected to local communities. A key objective is to promote physical vitality and shared activity, enhancing the emotional well-being of both groups. By facilitating these meaningful bonds, the design creates a community-focused 'third place' fully adapted to the requirements of all inhabitants, prioritizing mutual companionship through movement and presence.

Popis projektu

The design solution encompasses a multi-functional architectural complex focused on accessibility, safety, and sensory comfort. The architectural form is inspired by the honeycomb structure, utilizing the hexagon as a primary geometric motif to symbolize safety and cooperation. These functional zones are arranged in a layout inspired by a four-leaf clover, symbolizing luck and the positive emotions the space evokes. The facade is a contemporary tribute to the historical architecture of the Wussow district, with rhythmic vertical columns referencing traditional timber-framed construction and glazing inspired by local historical glass-enclosed verandas.

For seniors, the space features ergonomically optimized common areas, including a 'senior cafe' and activity rooms with non-slip flooring and intuitive wayfinding. To ensure maximum safety, the project provides distinct, specialized interiors for dogs and cats, each adapted to their specific behavioral and physiological needs. A key feature is the 'Interaction Zone'—a series of hybrid spaces such as shaded walking paths and indoor cuddle corners where seniors and animals can interact in a controlled, stress-free manner.

The facility is fully equipped with a professional veterinary suite and dedicated isolation units for animals under quarantine, ensuring a safe environment that prevents the spread of infections. The entire layout prioritizes the 'choice and control' principle, offering private retreat areas alongside communal integration points, allowing the building to blend seamlessly into its forested surroundings while honoring the architectural identity of Szczecin.

Technické informace

The technical execution is based on a high-standard material palette that ensures safety, hygiene, and sensory comfort. The project utilizes Forbo vinyl flooring with anti-slip properties and architectural concrete for maximum durability in high-traffic zones. To create a warm, domestic atmosphere, birch plywood is used for furniture and wall cladding, providing a natural aesthetic and excellent acoustic properties. Safety and visual connectivity are achieved through the use of plexiglass instead of traditional glass, offering high impact resistance and lightweight durability.

The color palette is strategically designed based on dichromatic vision, focusing on blue and yellow shades perceived by dogs and cats. Simultaneously, the design employs high-contrast color blocking tailored for seniors with visual impairments, enhancing spatial orientation and making the environment more intuitive. Additionally, the facility incorporates specialized ventilation and acoustic insulation in animal pods to ensure a stress-free environment, while all materials are non-toxic, sustainable, and wear-resistant, ensuring a long-lasting space for both groups.

Dokumentace

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