School of Graphic Industry

Project idea

The project reactivates the former printing technology building as a contemporary academic and residential hub. It preserves the building’s industrial identity while introducing new educational, social and student-housing functions. The former machine hall becomes the heart of the building, connecting the programme and giving the historic structure a new role within the campus.

Project description

The project involves the modernisation and adaptation of the former printing technology building at 2 Konwiktorska Street into a contemporary educational, residential and social centre. The building has a strong industrial and educational character, but its current layout no longer fully meets the needs of students, lecturers and university users. The proposed adaptation preserves the building’s identity while introducing new functions for the university 100 years after the original building was constructed, allowing it to regain significance within the Warsaw University of Technology campus and the city.

The project preserves and strengthens the existing character of the building, maintaining its industrial expression while adding new steel elements, an external staircase and an extension of the eastern part. It combines academic and student-housing functions within one coherent building, supporting learning, everyday student life, teamwork and integration.

A key element of the concept is the activation of the former machine hall as the heart of the building — the main, most recognisable ground-floor space, visible from the entrance hall and organising the layout of the entire storey. The project clarifies circulation and introduces two connections between the university and student-housing parts: on the ground floor and on the second floor.

The basement level contains technical, storage and protective back-of-house spaces, including a shelter. On the upper floors, new shared and representative spaces are introduced, including an auditorium and terrace, strengthening the building’s social and educational character.

Technical information

The project adapts the existing masonry printing technology building into a mixed academic and residential facility. The original industrial character and machine hall are preserved, while new steel elements, an external staircase and an eastern extension are introduced. The programme includes teaching spaces, workshops, shared areas, student housing, technical rooms and a proposed shelter in the basement.

Documentation

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