A CONSCIOUS TOMORROW: Inherited place – contemporary function

Contemporary architecture increasingly draws on its heritage… or at least it should. In times of growing environmental awareness, respect for resources and historical identity, more and more projects focus not on building from scratch, but on responsible adaptation. The architect becomes not so much a creator of something new as an attentive curator of existing space.

The former is precisely the philosophy behind the redevelopment of a former paper factory in Poznań, a city on the River Warta in west Poland. The DEMIURG studio is responsible for this project, which has transformed a post-industrial building into a modern prototyping workshop for the University of Arts in Poznań. It is a project that perfectly captures the meaning of revitalisation: not only as an aesthetic endeavour, but as a complex process combining conservation, construction and modern functionality.

An inherited place, a contemporary function

The Old Paper Mill is a building with a history and every place with a history requires caution. The main design principle was to preserve the industrial character of the volume while adapting it to the contemporary needs of the university. It was not an easy revitalisation. On the one hand, the building had to be fully functional, meaning on the one hand it had to be accessible to all users, energy-efficient and technologically flexible. On the other hand, the authenticity of the place, its rhythm, details, structural and visual DNA had to be preserved.

Not only did the design by DEMIURG not erase the traces of the past, it even consciously emphasised them, integrating the historical narrative with the modern function of the building. Cast iron columns, historic balustrades, steel windows and even the wall of the former printer's supervisor's office have not only been preserved but were also integrated into the new functions of the building. This is not sentimental ‘museumising’, it offers real spatial value.

Historic material and contemporary standards

Revitalisation is never purely aesthetic. It is a complex process requiring a series of technical, legislative and design compromises, implemented in cooperation with conservators, engineers and the investor. In the case of Stara Papiernia, many original elements were too damaged or did not meet contemporary standards of use, such as the steel windows in the basement. They were left as a testament to the era, but from the inside they were supplemented with modern aluminium joinery, ensuring insulation, safety and compliance with regulations. This is an example of a thoughtful compromise, one that does not compromise authenticity, but also does not stop at the level of ‘aesthetic conservation’. Another valuable example of attention to detail is the restoration of a mural, consisting of a poem that originally adorned the factory facade. This symbolic gesture not only restores a place in the city's collective memory, but also shows that architecture can be a vehicle for cultural identity, not just function and form. The recreated mural becomes a bridge between contemporary users and former factory workers, as a memory recorded in layers of plaster. It is precisely such actions that determine the value of good revitalisation today.

The new prototyping workshop is also an expression of sustainable architecture, one that responds to the needs of the environment and the comfort of the user. Extensive green roofing has been installed to help regulate temperature and microclimate. The interiors have been finished with environmentally friendly acoustic panels with a low carbon footprint, made of magnesite, wood and water. They have been used not only to improve acoustics, but also as an aesthetic element that integrates the space. Importantly, the architects also took care of accessibility, adding new lifts, ramps and adapted bathrooms. Designing spaces as part of a revitalisation project requires inclusive thinking. You take into account the diversity of experiences and needs of future users.

Structural surgery: a project in motion

One of the biggest challenges was the need to create a new floor and superstructure without disturbing the delicate structure of the existing building. This required piling the foundations, reinforcing the ceilings and constructing a reinforced concrete slab in the basement, suspended from the walls. All of this was done to make the building independent of unstable ground and groundwater. This is design at the intersection of architecture and engineering, requiring a methodical approach, technical discipline and phased execution of works. During the works, secondary elements were demolished, the roof was removed and brickwork and old staircases were taken away. Everything took place in an open building, without protection from the weather.

Aesthetic consistency is also an expression of modern revitalisation. Raw materials – terrazzo, reinforced concrete, expanded metal mesh – not only reflect the spirit of industrial architecture, but also ensure durability, simplicity of maintenance and easy adaptation. The installations were surface-mounted, which emphasises the technical character of the space and ensures full accessibility in the future. The colour scheme, with shades of grey, white and brick, creates consistency with the history of the building and its original woodwork. The new superstructure was made of fibre-cement panels, perfectly matching the rest of the facade. The old chimney has been left on the roof. It is no longer in use, but has been fully restored as a witness to the history of the building.

Architecture as an act of respect

“For me, this building has always been industrial and we have retained that character. It is extremely satisfying to be able to give a second life to a dilapidated building and fill it with a new function”, says Magda Jarczykowska from DEMIURG.

This project is not only an example of good revitalisation. It also raises questions about the profession of the architect today. Is it still about designing from scratch? Or is it increasingly about listening to a place, reading its history and responsibly interfering with what already exists?

“We have specialised in the conversion of existing buildings for over 20 years. When we started, it was a niche market, investors preferred to build from scratch and environmental issues were rarely taken into account. Today, as the market changes, we have years of experience and a proven team. Conversions are demanding, full of surprises and risks, which is why many companies avoid them. We like such investments the most. Stara Papiernia is a perfect example of how a building with an original industrial function can be transformed into a modern space with a completely different purpose. There is no need to build from scratch, while showing respect for the existing fabric”, states Bartosz Kaczmarek, Proxy of DEMIURG.

It seems that more and more answers are pointing in this direction. An architect is no longer just a creator of new forms, but also an interpreter of space. He or she is someone who can read its previous layers and give them new meaning. It is a profession that requires not only imagination, but also humility. It is all about the awareness that good architecture does not always start with a blank sheet of paper