PLAYING WITH CONTEXT

Designing for urban environments is a context oriented practice. Visual tradition, local community, usability and safety are some of the issues that need to be addressed. The route leading from an idea or a brief to implementation is not a straight line from point A to B — as we design we explore many paths and some have to be abandoned in the process.The exhibition launching the 2020 Biennale puts a spotlight on the conceptual and technical background of Biennale works. The exhibition shows them against a backdrop of various contexts that shaped their growth, as its editorial character allows the viewer to immerse themselves in the story of every project.

Biennale poster (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

BIENNALE OF DESIGN & URBAN ART 

is an event that combines art and design interventions within the urban environment with an exciting programme of talks, film screenings and debates exploring topics such as: architecture, public art and local communities. This year we shifted our focus from downtown urban spaces to residential areas, namely the Wzgórze Świętego Maksymiliana district.

The Fog, a short story (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

00. “THE FOG” BY SALCIA HAŁAS, A SHORT STORY

“The Fog” is a piece of literature created by a local writer. The short story, commissioned by Traffic Design, served as an alternative “brief” for invited artists in the early stages of the Biennale planning process, prompting the artists to immerse themselves in the district’s atmosphere. Before writing the piece Salcia had been meeting with local residents — working in an off-licence shop and a city garden. She compiled “The Fog” from gathered stories about spirits of Wzgórze’s residents — people, as well as animals.

Exhibition space (2020) by Traffic Design and Rafał KołsutTraffic Design

Fog Comber (2021) by CekasTraffic Design

01. BACKYARD FORMATIONS: FOG COMBER

The installation is directly inspired by Salcia Hałas’s short story — “The Fog” that was commissioned for the purpose of the Biennale as a starting point for the invited artists. The abstract, metalwork sculpture will become a part of a pocket park (currently in construction) in the Wzgórze district. Artist: Cekas.

Fog Comber maquette (2020) by CekasTraffic Design

THE DENSE COMBER
Amongst all the Biennale interventions, The Fog Comber stems from the most direct interpretation of Salcia Hałas’s short story. It is Traffic Design’s first attempt at installing an object of this magnitude in public space.

Excerpt form "The Fog", Salcia Hałas, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Refined comber maquette (2020) by CekasTraffic Design

THE REFINED COMBER
The design was reshaped by the artist. The new Comber will become a part of a newly adapted pocket park in the vicinity of another Biennale installation, the neon light. The area will become a distinct landmark of the Wzgórze district.

Stolemka (2020) by Stach SzumskiTraffic Design

02. BACKYARD FORMATIONS: STOLEMKA

Stolemka is a metal sculpture inspired by Kashubian lore, depicting an enormous woman. The openwork form of Stolemka allows her to blend into the environment which fills the sculpture’s contours. Its shape is inspired by old school playground equipment. Artist: Stach Szumski, other illustrators: Małgorzata Gurowska, Malwina Konopacka, Waldemar ST.

Research (2020) by Isamu Noguchi, Aldo van Eyck, Adam Smolana, Zofia Hansen, and Oskar HansenTraffic Design

Research

1. Modernist playgrounds designed by Isamu Noguchi and Aldo van Eyck. 2. Elements of the second half of the 20th century’s playgrounds, ex. British brutalism, socialist-era housing estates. 3. Katarzyna Kobro’s spatial constructions.

Exerpt from the Brief (2020) by Traffic Design and Marta PszonakTraffic Design

Excerpt from the brief

The task is to come up with an idea for an object or an assortment of objects. It can be one form or a composition made of elements differing in function and size. The project is a testing ground for collaborative efforts of artists and architects. The aim is to create an object in public space that will be available to children as a plaything, but at the same time has an aesthetic that can be appreciated by adults from varied backgrounds.

Giraffe Climber (2020) by UnknownTraffic Design

The giraffes of Gdynia

One of main inspirations for this project were socialist-era giraffe-shaped playground climbers that still adore some of Gdynian nursery backyards.

Quote, Katarzyna Kobro, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Carpet hanger as a backyard formation (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

Carpet hanger as a backyard formation

Using the concept of play as a framework, we were investigating urban features and observing how people interact with different elements of the cityscape. We realized that a good old carpet hanger is an ideal, playful “backyard formation”. It can be perceived as a geometric, simplified sculpture that can function as an urban plaything or a part of callisthenic gym equipment.

Backyard Formations (2020) by Malwina KonopackaTraffic Design

Despite the goal being a three-dimensional object design, we decided on inviting 2D illustrators to join our collaborative efforts. Their ideas and sketches were to be translated into spatial form, while maintaining the stylistic of the original design.

Backyard Formations, Waldemar ST, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Backyard Formations 1, Małgorzata Gurowska, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Backyard Formations: Stolemka, Stach Szumski, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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STACH SZUMSKI’S STOLEMKA
The original, expressive drawing by the artist Stach Szumski was translated by Traffic Design Studio into vector form.

Stolemka painting (2020) by Stach SzumskiTraffic Design

Stolemka: Safety & Technology, Traffic Design, Stach Szumski, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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SAFETY
The sculpture’s form has been analysed by playground safety specialists. Its openings have been adjusted to bring down the risk of injuries.

Exhibition space (2020) by Traffic Design and Rafał KołsutTraffic Design

Entrance to the district Neon (2020) by Full Metal Jacket StudioTraffic Design

03. NEON: ENTRANCE TO THE DISTRICT

The neon is situated in the passage between two public library buildings, glowing over a flight of stairs. It accentuates the entrance to the residential area of the Wzgórze district. In front of the passage a pocket park will be constructed, containing one of the other Biennale pieces — the Fog Comber sculpture. The warm neon light will be cast on the street and, joined with the park and the sculpture, will create a landmark in the heart of the district. Artist: Studio Full Metal Jacket, other artist: Studio Supergut.

Gdynia Gate neon concept (2020) by Supergut StudioTraffic Design

The Gdynia Gate

is a light installation that, via its form, refers to triumphal arcs and city gates — constructions that manifested strength, brought communities together and guarded the citizens. Historically, in times of war, uncertainty and autocratic rule, architecture would shift to easily understandable and unambiguous classical forms. A stone arch — one of the most substantial structures found in architecture — holds a magnitude of connotations and interpretations. In this context the light arc is an oxymoron — a communal notion that all of us endorse as a way of searching for meaning and certainty in an uncertain world.

Full Metal Jacket Studio's Pitch (2020) by Full Metal JacketTraffic Design

Full Metal Jacket Studio's pitch

Abstract sketches.

Signal Code Neon Concept (2020) by Full Metal JacketTraffic Design

Local vibes

To respond to the need of creating a landmark for the Wzgórze Świętego Maksymiliana District, the artists pitched an idea to include an abbreviated name of the district used by the locals — WZG.

Pedestrians are people too: interactive installation (2020) by Michał Kubieniec and Grzegorz LayerTraffic Design

04. PEDESTRIANS ARE PEOPLE TOO: INTERACTIVE INSTALLATION

A project by a duo from Koszutka – a district of Katowice that faces issues similar to those of Wzgórze. The placement of the installations have been decided in the process of research-oriented walks and questionnaires directed at residents of the area. The installation is a series of five elements that can be duplicated. Artists: Michał Kubieniec, Grzegorz Layer.

Pedestrians are people too (2020) by Michał Kubieniec, Grzegorz Layer, and Traffic DesignTraffic Design

THE REASON

Installations 2, Michał Kubieniec, Grzegorz Layer, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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INSTALLATION DESIGNS
Quadruple flowerbed
Wailer
Single flowerbed

Installations 1, Michał Kubieniec, Grzegorz Layer, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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INSTALLATION DESIGNS
Sensory railing
“Stop” seat
Mirror |not manufactured|

Interspecies Estate (2020-10) by Małgorzata GurowskaTraffic Design

05. MURAL: INTERSPECIES ESTATE

The objective of this project was to create a small, secure housing estate for important residents — birds. Birdhouses that can serve, amongst others, as house sparrow’s nesting places were incorporated into a mural depicting a snag tree. The piece brings together art, sustainability and education. Artist: Małgorzata Gurowska.

Interspecies architecture (2020) by Caner CangülTraffic Design

Interspecies architecture

Animals, just like people, are city dwellers. They occupy green spaces, as well as human-made buildings and constructions, creating what we called “interspecies estates”. When designing architectural details, one can take into account birds as possible tenants. Embodiments of this idea can be found in Turkey, where Ottoman architects constructed miniature bird palaces on walls of buildings and bridges. In many historical European buildings birds nest in putlog holes.

Birds in troubles (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

Birds in trouble

In the last decades small birds in urban environments have found themselves in serious predicament. Their dwellings have been destroyed in the process of thermal modernization. The amount of insects, their main source of food, dropped. Bushes and trees have been cut, while a growing population of cats poses a great danger to them.

Process and collaboration (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

Process and collaboration

Stage 1: Traffic Design provides the following files:photos of the building, photos of the environment and a link to street view, a pdf drawing including measurements. Stage 2: The chosen designer incorporates their design into the pdf drawing and designs the placement of bird houses on the facade. The technical aspects of the project are up for discussion. The designer can choose the shape and colour of birdhouses or use an existing design and duplicate it in a modular way. We are in contact with the Gdańsk University Department of Biology and can provide information on how to design a birdhouse.

Mandrake, Małgorzata Gurowska, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Alternative projects of the Interspecies Estate, Małgorzata Gurowska, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Ornithology (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

Birdhouse construction

From the beginning of the project we consulted it with ornithologists to ensure safety and easy access to food for birds. That is how we decided not to include the little stick, an element broadly used in many birdhouse designs that in reality provides an opportunity for predators. We set on a birdhouse design that can host, amongst many other species, house sparrows that reside in Poland even during winter months. The mural is situated on an elementary school, so the students can observe the birds all throughout the year as part of their curriculum. The top rows, due to sun exposure, will remain vacant and serve as a replacement to the occupied birdhouses at the bottom of the mural.

Bird House, MKW, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Focha Lane Redesign (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

06. VIEW OF A STREET: FOCHA LANE REDESIGN

The project consists of an array of design interventions aiming to unify one, characteristic street’s appearance. Closely working with the residents, Traffic Design’s team has created new facade colour designs and ornamental metalwork, such as fences and house numbers. Artists: Traffic Design Studio: Eugenia Tynna, Paweł Pączek Wiśniewski, Jacek Wielebski, Renia Maj.

Focha Lane view (2020) by Rafał KołsutTraffic Design

The spirit of Focha Lane

We have chosen Focha because of its origin story, distinctive architecture and character. This is where the architects and urbanists planning the district had lived. Terraced houses line up on both sides of this narrow lane, creating a unique atmosphere in the heart of Wzgórze. The main characteristics are front yards full of greenery, the rhythm of architecture and the variety of details.

Spotting possibilities, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Inspiring examples, Čičmany and Zalipie villagesTraffic Design

Visual identity

Since the mid-war period houses on Focha Lane have been redecorated many times. Past and present residents added their own fences, house numbers, entry roofs, lamps, stucco work, window joinery and even whole new windows. The mingle-mangle of architectural detail, colour and metalwork resulted in a chaotic bit of cityscape. Traffic Design Studio’s aim was to create a visual line for the street, to introduce some coherence, but not to cast away every resident’s individuality. We set out to create an aesthetic that could be translated into different media, totaling in a mosaic of congeneric shapes. We were looking for visual identity that would not be based solely on unification.

Focha lane mural concept, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Signal Code concept, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Large scale abstraction concept, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Unused ornamental designs (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

Nature & Geometry visual style

Unused ornamental designs, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Unused ornamental designs, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Focha Lane Redesign | Nature & Geometry concept | Visualization A, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Focha Lane Redesign | Nature & Geometry concept | Visualization B, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Focha Lane Redesign | Nature & Geometry concept | Visualization D, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Design Process (2020) by Rafał Kołsut and Traffic DesignTraffic Design

KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH THE RESIDENTS
1. Reaching out, inviting residents to participate in the project.
2. Gathering responses.
3. Coordinating the scope of the project in line with residents’ wishes.
4. Consulting the “Nature & Geometry” visual line.
5. Pitching the metalwork idea.
6. Some initially uninterested residents join the project.
7. Adjusting the individual designs.

New direction (2020) by TRAFFIC DESIGNTraffic Design

New Direction

During the consultations, the residents disagreed with the idea that involved painting large-scale, geometric murals on the facades. Instead, they wanted to see the visual style of the street become more unified. In response, Traffic Design Studio prepared a consistent colour set for the facades, focusing on fence and house number design instead, thus making the metalwork the most eye-catching element of the street’s visual style.

Fence redesign system, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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FENCE REDESIGN SYSTEM
1. Present state
2. Reduction
3. Ornaments and colour unification

Metalwork house numbers designs, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Fence metalwork designs, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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Metalwork balcony design, Traffic Design, 2020, From the collection of: Traffic Design
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House number 23 (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

House number 7 (2020) by Traffic DesignTraffic Design

Exhibition Space (2020) by Traffic Design and Rafał KołsutTraffic Design

Credits: Story

TRAFFIC DESIGN
STACH SZUMSKI
MAŁGORZATA GUROWSKA
STUDIO FULL METAL JACKET
CEKAS
MICHAŁ KUBIENIEC
GRZEGORZ LAYER
ZAKŁAD PROJEKTOWY TRAFFIC DESIGN
MALWINA KONOPACKA
WALDEMAR ST
STUDIO SUPERGUT

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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