Small town revitalization issues on the example of Międzyrzecz

Wanda Kononowicz

w.kononowicz@aiu.uz.zgora.pl
University of Zielona Gora; (Poland)

Ilona Pisera

University of Zielona Gora; (Poland)

Abstract

The article presents a method of revitalisation of the Old Town together
with the castle and grange complex in Międzyrzecz, applied in a master’s dissertation prepared
at the Chair of Architecture and Urban Planning of Uni versity of Zielona Góra in
2016, that received an honourable mention in the Prof. Jan Zachwatowicz international
conservation competition organised by PKN ICOMOS. The revitalisation method envisaged
restoration of the general spatial characteristics of a historical urban scheme, permitting
diversity of the supporting components being subordinated to the overall composition.
The notion of diversity applies to the buildings protected by the monuments
conservator as well as to the new ones harmonising with the existing environment and
to reconstructions.
The eastern frontage and part of the southern frontage of the market place were destroyed
by World War II and never rebuilt. Their place, as well as that of the adjacent dwelling
quarters were taken by greenery. Majority of residents, especially the young ones accept this
status quo.
The master’s dissertation is an example of a comprehensive conservation study, from
urban to architectural scale, preceded by historical-urban studies and relevant analyses of the
existing state in many aspects. Results of the analyses enabled to formulate conclusions and
conservation guidelines which served as the basis for the revitalisation design. The revitalisation
included, amongst other things, rebuilding of the missing city blocks, preparation of
a new fl oor design for the Market Place, revival of the grange complex buildings with new
features and designing a landscape park to be situated on the adjacent, degraded land.

Keywords:

revitalization, small town, Międzyrzecz