A riverside revolution

<>The city fathers decided that a zone dedicated to science, culture and recreation should be created along the left bank of the Vistula, between two major bridges (Śląsko-Dąbrowski and Średnicowy). Its principal attraction will be Poland's first Centre for Science, the third such investment in the region, following those in Hungary and Estonia. "We want to create a place where one can interact with science, from the basic laws of nature through to astronomy; a building in which modern apparatus will be available for use in experiments, where everything can be touched and individuals can perform experiments. However, this will not just be another science museum," explains Przemysław Wielowiejski of the "Exploratorium Science Centre" group, set up by the city authorities. The prototype of such centres was opened in San Francisco in 1969, on the initiative of Prof. Frank Oppenheimer, since when others have appeared throughout the world: in West Europe, Australasia, South America, Asia and Africa. The most popular is probably Le Palais de la Découverte in Paris.

<>Architecture of the future

<>Work is proceeding to stage an open competition for the design and construction of such a centre. Innovation is expected but the city has set out several conditions. "The building must be functional and adapted to the exhibits that will be contained," Mr Wielowiejski informed us. Each of the centre's three, interlinked sections will serve a separate purpose. The first will be aimed at the young. The second will be for students carrying out experiments, equipped with a laboratory and conference hall, while the third will be a planetarium. The centre will have three or four storeys, 10,000 to 12,000 sqm of floor space, and will cost around PLN 120 mln. An agreement on financing the project was concluded in March between the President of Warsaw, the Minister for Science and Information Technology and the Minister for Education and Sport. Funding will come from the public purse and from private companies which will provide patronage in the form of equipment for the complex. European structural funds will partially finance the construction of the centre.

<>Art-deco park

<>The Centre for Science will stand in a unique park, designed by Bogna Świątkowska of the Warsaw New Culture "Bęc Zmiana" Foundation which supports young artists. The concept involves changing the appearance of the surrounding land and creating an original cultural area, where the Foundation would display its main art 'exhibits'. There will be elaborate benches and see-saws, decorative fountains, colourful waste bins, sculptures and futuristic decorative objects; the overall idea being to turn the scruffy and gloomy Powiśle of today into a genuinely attractive district. The city authorities and senior city architect Michał Borowski seem to like the idea, though they have not agreed to a permanent display of artwork in the park above Wisłostrada (the sub Vistula tunnel). However, this is not Bogna Świątkowska's principal worry. She explained, "We cannot find a sponsor for the park benches. Few people, if anyone, is interested in paying for objects which will have to be dismantled at short notice and at their expense." The young designers' projects can only be admired at an exhibition of drawings on the wall surrounding the defunct Powiśle Electricity and Heat Generating Station. The reaction among Warsaw citizens has been positive, as has their acceptance of the loop-shaped bench which the Foundation has placed at the Palace of Culture (Palac Cultury). The bench is the Foundation's unofficial symbol.

<>Never ending changes

<>Construction of the Centre for Science is to begin in the Spring of 2005 and the facility should open in late 2006. It, along with the 'Cultural Park', is one of the first steps in the transformation of Warsaw's Powiśle district. The city has drafted a plan aimed at revitalising the Vistula's banks, the principal purpose being to give Warsovians much greater access to their river than has been the case in recent times. The major hindrance is the Vistula Highway which acts like a barrier and discourages people from visiting the river. The plans are geared towards making Warsaw similar to other European cities situated on major rivers, for example Budapest on the Danube and Prague on the Vltava, which enjoy a vibrant round the clock lifestyle. By contrast the Vistula's riverside is ugly and currently largely forgotten. Plans for change centre on "hiding" the Vistula Highway underground, so freeing up land on the river's edge which could be used to establish restaurants, cafés and shops. The gardens of the university's library, will be extended to reach the river bank; a concert stage will be erected within the grounds of the power station and a landing jetty and pier are to be constructed on the river. Only time will show what will come of these plans. The project will last many years, the duration depending primarily on available finance. Ultimately though a pleasant, new district will emerge, reclaimed from the motorcar and given over to satisfying the growing demand for relaxation and leisure.

<>Tomasz Wiaderek