Traveling across Poland and observing logistics buildings from the road, we might form certain impressions or stereotypes about them. Most of these buildings are quite similar, with little architectural variation. The only differences usually are the color of the facade and the tenants' logos. At LemonTree, we want to challenge this stereotype by redefining the approach to creating logistics and industrial buildings, expanding their function towards “multi-use” - from logistics and industrial activities, through office use, to services. We discussed this in the first post on our blog. Now, let’s see how it looks in practice.
We are in Zabrze, in the immediate vicinity of the Silesian Central Highway (DTŚ), which connects the cities of Upper Silesia, near the intersection of the A1 and A4 highways. This is where our new investment, the BOOSTER ZABRZE complex by LemonTree, is being built. It is a unique urban location. Besides tram and bus stops, there are residential areas, shops, restaurants, and hotels in the immediate vicinity. This location perfectly fits our strategy of carefully selecting places where we want to build complexes with their own identity.
Proximity to the city center is undoubtedly an asset. Short travel times via public transport mean convenience and time savings, as well as a reduction in the carbon footprint. However, this unique location also presents a challenge - the need to integrate the project attractively and functionally into the existing urban fabric, and, importantly, to engage in dialogue with local residents to offer them additional value.
Zabrze – A Reality Check / Creating a Place's Identity
Working on the BOOSTER ZABRZE by LemonTree project, we held discussions with the Zabrze City Hall and the Residents' Council. These conversations and suggestions ultimately shaped our vision of the complex's identity. This identity will be built through the original architecture of the office sections and a wooden facade that seamlessly blends with other materials. This is just part of the efforts that give BOOSTER its unique characteristics. Another element defining the complex's DNA is actions for the local community, including a publicly accessible multifunctional sports field and a dining area. We will also prepare a green area open to residents with small architecture and numerous plantings, allowing for relaxation and spending free time closer to nature. We plan to create an outdoor exhibition area to promote local artists. These are absolutely unique actions in our industry, which until recently could only be observed around select office buildings.
BOOSTER ZABRZE will also stand out with amenities for tenants. Covered bicycle shelters, access to the dining area, and numerous relaxation spots among greenery will support the well-being of all complex employees.
The Zabrze BOOSTER also includes efforts to reduce the complex's negative impact on the environment. An important issue is the selection of building materials. By using CEM2 cement and eco-friendly steel, we reduce the carbon footprint, which is a fundamental element of our long-term sustainability strategy. At BOOSTER, we will implement technological solutions to lower energy costs, such as photovoltaics and an energy storage system, as well as solutions for efficient water resource management and light pollution reduction. Creating BOOSTER ZABRZE, we also take actions for biodiversity by designing green areas with specially selected plant species.
Placemaking
Let's go back in time to the 1960s, when the precursors of placemaking, journalist and urban activist Jane Jacobs and urban planner William H. Whyte, emphasized in their publications that cities and places should be designed with people's needs in mind.
This is the main idea of placemaking – places should primarily serve people. The process of designing places should combine expert knowledge with the voices of local communities – such an approach is a good recipe for designing user-friendly spaces that consider aesthetic values and respond to social needs.
When preparing our investments, we take a holistic view of the entire project. We want to create fresh concepts tailored to the specific location and the needs of local communities. The theme of individualism is directly related to creating places with identity.
Moving beyond the traditional scheme of creating warehouse spaces requires vision, adherence to sustainability principles, and collaboration with local communities. In line with the concept of placemaking and its assumptions, we strive to create a complex that, in addition to its business function, offers friendly spaces for the people of Zabrze, especially the residents of the neighboring districts of Zaborze and Poremba.