Reconstruction and possibilities for adaptive re-use of railway stations based on the example of selected objects from the area of Lower Silesia – results of analyses carried out during student workshops

Aleksandra Kozaczek, Gabriela Wojciechowska, Maria Czarnecka, Agnieszka Nowicka

doi:10.37190/arc200108

Abstract

In Lower Silesia, during the period of dynamic development of the railway industry in the 19th century, numerous objects related to railway infrastructure were created. At that time, some unique architectural and engineering objects were built. This article discusses selected buildings related to the railways in Lower Silesia that have significant architectural, historical, cultural and landscape values, but which have deteriorated and fallen into disrepair as a result of not being used. The authors’ intention was also to show potential sources of inspiration for the revitalization of the described cases – examples of railway station adaptation to new functions. The article presents reconstructions of selected stations in the form of architectural models. Three objects representing various functional and spatial solutions were discussed in detail: Marchijski Railway Station in Wrocław, the station in Jaworzyna Śląska, and the station in Żelazno. Reconstruction mockups of the facilities were made using archival building documentation, engravings and photographs, data from the Register of Monuments and scientific studies to research their original appearance and provide information on the changes that occurred over time to each facility and its functioning. An important aim k of the publication is to show selected railway facilities in the era of their splendor and to contrast this with their current state.