THE WARP — Neighbourhood Community Centre

Gdańsk Technical University (Politechnika Gdańska), Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk

Project idea

The core concept of THE WARP is deeply rooted in the metaphor of a woven fabric. The building's form acts as a spatial interpretation of this structure. The vertical rhythm of the wooden facade details represents the 'warp' — the visual and symbolic framework of the building. Through this stable frame weaves the 'weft' — the active local community, whose daily interactions, movement, and energy create a vibrant, living space. This narrative is further highlighted by the architectural detailing: kinetic, thermo-sensitive facade louvers, mobile partition panels, and outdoor street furniture all feature a traditional plain weave motif, seamlessly blending modern technology with local cultural heritage.

Project description

THE WARP Neighbourhood Centre is a direct architectural response to the deficit of accessible public spaces in the dynamically developing suburbs of Gdansk, Poland. The spatial layout is based on clear functional zoning, dividing the building into two independent blocks: an 'active' and a 'passive' zone, seamlessly integrated by a central connector featuring a winter garden. The active block houses a communal neighbourhood kitchen and a multifunctional hall dedicated to sports classes and district events. The passive block provides a quiet coworking space and workshop rooms. A key feature of the interior is its high adaptability; a system of mobile walls allows for fluid spatial reconfiguration to meet the community's ever-changing needs. The architecture effortlessly extends into the landscape, incorporating a sensory garden, a rain garden for water retention, and terraced terrain stairs with a gazebo, creating an open arena for social integration.

Technical information

The building is designed with a strong emphasis on sustainability, adaptability, and energy efficiency. The primary heating source is a highly efficient ground-source heat pump, which supplies low-temperature underfloor heating and domestic hot water. This system is actively supported by a roof-mounted, on-grid photovoltaic (PV) array, optimizing the building's operational costs and reducing its carbon footprint. The exterior and structural accents utilize engineered timber, while the facade features innovative kinetic, thermo-sensitive shatters that automatically regulate solar heat gain without external power. Additionally, the site incorporates pro-ecological water management strategies, utilizing a retention pond to naturally retain and filter stormwater runoff on-site.