A new building for the University of Warsaw is under construction at Bednarska 2/4 in Warsaw; it will house, among others, the Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies. The new premises will include specialist television, radio and photography studios, a modern Media Studies Research Laboratory, functional teaching and lecture rooms, as well as communal areas, patios and recreational terraces. On 22nd June, a topping-out ceremony was held at the construction site, symbolising the reaching of the building’s highest structural point.
The UW building in Powiśle will be used by students, doctoral candidates and employees of the Faculty of Journalism, Information and Book Studies (WDIB) and the Faculty of Economic Sciences (WNE). The new building will also house the university’s radio station – Akademickie Radio Kampus.
On 22nd June, a topping-out ceremony was held at the construction site, symbolising the reaching of the building’s highest structural point. The building is scheduled to be completed in 2027.
The ceremony was attended by, among others, representatives of the University of Warsaw, national and local authorities, members of the academic community, the building’s designers, representatives of the Main Contractor and the Deputy Investor, as well as invited guests. The meeting was led by Dr. Anna Modzelewska, spokesperson for the University of Warsaw.
Favourable conditions for education and research
“The construction project on Bednarska Street is one of the UW’s largest investments. We constantly strive to provide our students, doctoral candidates and employees with the best possible conditions for learning and working. We are convinced that these will foster excellent research and world-class teaching. We are now symbolically marking the completion of an important stage of work on the path to this goal,” says Prof. Alojzy Z. Nowak, the UW Rector.
The building will house teaching and lecture rooms, including two rooms seating 160 people and a main auditorium with a capacity of 250. There will be also available research facilities such as TV, radio and photography studios, as well as the Media Studies Laboratory equipped with modern specialist equipment, computer labs, conference rooms, staff rooms, administrative offices and service areas. The reading room, designed as an open-plan space, will feature areas for both group and individual work.
The building will be constructed at Bednarska 2/4, on a site situated between Bednarska, Dobra, Nowy Zjazd and Wybrzeże Kościuszkowskie streets. It will be connected to the former Teodozja Majewska Baths building and situated right next to the underpass beneath the Wisłostrada and 300 metres from the footbridge and cycle path over the Vistula. Its total floor area will be almost 19,200 m².
The project forms part of the Multiannual Programme “University of Warsaw 2016–2027” – a comprehensive development plan for the university. Its value is approximately 255 mln zł. The main contractor for the project is Karmar S.A., and the project manager is ZBM S.A. The building was designed by BBGK Architekci sp. z o.o.
“The building on Bednarska Street will provide a modern and functional environment for work and study, tailored to the needs of today’s users. It is another investment that strengthens the University’s development potential and creates conditions for achieving its strategic goals. We are delivering projects that combine high-quality architecture with the principles of sustainable development while supporting the growth of the academic community.” says Prof. Ewa Krogulec, the UW Vice-Rector for Development.
The building will feature facilities for people with mobility, hearing and visual impairments, such as induction loops and kerb-free entrances, as well as eco-friendly solutions based on renewable energy sources. A roof garden is planned for the building. Greenery will also be featured on patios and recreational terraces. The car park will be equipped with charging points for electric cars. Around 70 bicycle parking spaces will also be available.
The building will feature a multi-element, multi-faceted façade and the integration of greenery into the building’s structure. Its central feature will be a three-storey agora – a hall that will connect all the parts of the building designed around it. It will serve as the main venue for meetings and interaction. The building will have three above-ground storeys (with a partial fourth storey) and one underground storey.
Modern infrastructure
At the construction site at Bednarska 2/4, key preparatory and structural works, including demolition work, have been completed. The reinforced concrete structure has been created, including the installation of balconies. Work is currently underway on bricklaying, roof insulation and the installation of thermal and acoustic insulation. The next stages are scheduled to begin shortly, including the installation of façades and work inside the building.
“Bednarska is one of the largest and most important projects currently being carried out by the University of Warsaw. We are creating a space that will serve the development of modern teaching, scientific research and cooperation with the social and economic communities. This project has been designed with the university’s operations over the coming decades in mind, as well as the role the University of Warsaw aims to play in the future. We are convinced that the new building will become not only an important venue for the academic community, but also a permanent feature of Warsaw’s urban fabric and the continued development of Powiśle,” emphasises Robert Grey, the UW Chancellor.
“Delivering this project in such a densely built-up and historic part of the city is both a fascinating and demanding challenge for us as the general contractor. Today, right next to the historic Teodozja Majewska Baths, we are bringing together history and modernity,” adds Anna Wójcik-Mickiewicz, CEO of Karmar S.A.
