The proposed project is the Institute of Genealogy and Heritage in Toruń, Poland - a place dedicated to memory, ancestry, and the search for personal identity. The institute brings together research, education, exhibitions, and community activities, creating an environment where family history becomes a starting point for reflection, discovery, and dialogue between generations.

The design is inspired by the concept of roots, understood both as a connection to place and nature and as a symbol of family, culture, and identity. This idea is translated into a spatial experience that guides visitors through a journey from origin and memory to knowledge and discovery. The building's composition references the growth of a tree, with roots, trunk, and canopy becoming metaphors for the development of personal and collective heritage.

The project aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where visitors can explore their own stories, engage with the stories of others, and understand how identity is shaped by the connections that extend across generations.

The Institute of Genealogy and Heritage is conceived as a multidisciplinary cultural and educational facility dedicated to the preservation and exploration of family histories and collective memory.

The interior programme includes a genealogy library, digital archives, exhibition galleries, research and consultation rooms, workshop spaces, conference facilities, coworking areas, administrative offices, and a public café. The spaces are designed to support different modes of engagement, from quiet research and individual reflection to collaborative learning and public events.

A key feature of the project is the open public space located beneath the elevated building. Designed as a flexible extension of the interior programme, it accommodates workshops, artistic installations, temporary exhibitions, and community gatherings. Movable walls and modular elements allow the space to adapt to changing needs and activities.

The interior design combines natural materials, warm timber finishes, filtered daylight, and flexible exhibition systems to create a calm and inviting atmosphere. The spatial organisation encourages exploration, interaction, and the gradual discovery of personal and collective heritage.

The project is located in Toruń, Poland, within the developing district of Nowe Centrum. The building has a total floor area of approximately 4,379 m² and consists of four above-ground levels and one underground level.

The structural system combines reinforced concrete and Cross Laminated Timber (CLT). Reinforced concrete is used for the underground level, circulation cores, and primary structural elements, while CLT is applied to upper floors and selected walls. The extensive use of timber contributes to a warm interior character and reinforces the project's connection to nature and growth.

The design incorporates sustainable solutions, including green roofs, rain gardens, greywater retention systems, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient building services. The building is fully accessible and designed in accordance with contemporary safety, environmental, and accessibility standards.