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MODERN ROLE [Poland] FOR HISTORIC WATER TOWER INDUSTRIAL MONUMENT BECOMES CONFERENCE AND LEISURE CENTRE Wrocław is renowned for the rich variety of its industrial architecture, dating back to the end of 19th century and the beginning of 20th century. One of the finest examples is the water tower located in Al. Wisniowa, which evokes strong emotions among architects, art historians and, most of all, the townpeople. The historic water tower has recently assumed a new role. This monument of Polish industrial architecture has been renovated and transformed into a modern conference and leisure centre. Industrial high points Water towers have been constructed since the 19th century as utilitarian buildings. They performed the function of storage tanks, where water was collected and subsequently distributed in the vicinity via the water-pipe network. Although water towers all had the same function and worked in the same way, they exhibit different architectural styles, which even now surprise architects and art historians alike. Typical examples were combined water and observation towers, which were usually built in the centre of towns. Functional perspectives The Wrocław tower, which stands 57 metres tall, was constructed at the beginning of 20th century, and was not only a water storage tank but also an observation point. There was once a turret on the top of the building with an observation point, from which the Wrocław panorama could be One of the most characteristic features of the admired. Visitors wishing to take advantage of the view were taken up to building is its octagonal roof. This has a surface the turret by a special lift. area of around 405 m2 and is capped by a square, sharply pointed turret-lighthouse, stands Neo gothic aesthetics out from the background of neighbouring buildings. During the Second World War, the An outstanding Wrocław architect, Karl Klimm, created this huge brick building was not badly damaged and its original construction, which he modelled on medieval German fortresses. At the roof had remained untouched for many years. base, he placed tied dwellings and supported the tank on nine solid pillars. The architect paid special attention to aesthetics and originality. Plain clay tiles from the outset Openwork, unique construction as well numerous ornaments (including reliefs showing aquatic creatures) all testify to Klimm’s concern that the When the necessary renovation of the roof was building should have an artistic look. undertaken, Architect Bieniasz Nicholson remained faithful to the original design and used plain From tank to fitness club Koramic Biber tiles. "There were no doubts about using plain tiles. Because this type of tile had The Wroclaw water tower fulfilled its primary role until 1985. covered the tower’s roof from the very beginning," A year later, the building was bought by a German investor with the explains Architect Piotr Tomasz Rogowski from the intention of carrying out comprehensive repairs and renovation. It was 'Bieniasz Nicholson Architekt' office. to be transformed into a modern fitness club, restaurant, and conference Natural red was chosen because the colour centre. Architect Waclaw Bieniasz Nicholson, from the office Bieniasz perfectly matched the brick and ceramic façade. Nicholson Architekt (Wrocław), was the author of the building renovation During the project execution, other elements and conversion project. He provided for seven internal storeys, with of Koramic systems were used in addition to a total useable area of approximately 1,800 m2. This space had become standard tiles, including ridges, eaves and gable available after dismantling and removal of the water tank. tiles as well as non-ceramic accessories. Octagon and lighthouse Project: Renovation and conversion of the water tower in Al. Wisniowa, Wrocław. (Poland) Client: Stephan Elektronik Investment Architect: Wacław Bieniasz Nicholson, Bieniasz Nicholson Architekt, Wrocław Roof tile: Koramic Kunice Beaver tile, natural red ] 21