WAWEL CITY
study of the outer courtyard
- student project -
semester II master, June 2022
authors: Sandra Namyślak and Ania Leonik
By design, the project is based on the introduction into the courtyard space of a reference to the art of the great Cracovian artist Stanislaw Wyspianski. This interference is to make it possible to respond to the contemporary needs of the institution operating at Wawel Castle. At the same time, the action is expected to contribute to emphasizing Krakow's identity and create diverse spaces adapted to the use of the hill by various groups of people. From the visitor's eye level, the treatment creates an attractive, mysterious space. On the other hand, by selecting a distinctive composition, the main idea remains legible to a wide audience.
As an element of Wyspianski's work, a reference to his most recognizable work in stained glass was introduced into the courtyard space. "God the Father - Become" - illustrates the figure of God in the process of creating the world. The entire composition shows the figure in a very lofty way that emphasizes power. In a similar way, the artist imagined Wawel Castle when designing a new plan for its development - Acropolis. The new layout on the hill was to stimulate the maintenance of its rank as a monument to history, the seat of the state, and a viable capital of art and culture. The symbols and expressions contained in the aforementioned work, superimposed as a new layer on the Wawel courtyard, help to emphasize its most important features: power, sublimity, timelessness, mysticism and mystery.
As an element of Wyspianski's work, a reference to his most recognizable work in stained glass was introduced into the courtyard space. "God the Father - Become" - illustrates the figure of God in the process of creating the world. The entire composition shows the figure in a very lofty way that emphasizes power. In a similar way, the artist imagined Wawel Castle when designing a new plan for its development - Acropolis. The new layout on the hill was to stimulate the maintenance of its rank as a monument to history, the seat of the state, and a viable capital of art and culture. The symbols and expressions contained in the aforementioned work, superimposed as a new layer on the Wawel courtyard, help to emphasize its most important features: power, sublimity, timelessness, mysticism and mystery.
Due to the variety of vegetation used, not all the species used will bloom at the same time throughout the year, but the drawing of the stained glass will still be visible due to the use of narrow paths within its contours. The painting will be visible in its full range of colors mainly in June, which generates the possibility of holding an annual event to view the stained glass in full bloom. At other times of the year it will be more monochromatic, which does not detract from its reception, as Wyspianski not infrequently used color palettes focusing on a single hue.
Within the scope of the project, it is proposed to activate the existing Thieves' Tower in the form of a vantage point, and to introduce a new viewing tower structure on the site of the former Maiden's Tower. This will make it possible to look at the image of the garden and Wawel Hill from a different perspective than before.
