Superścieżka is the first placemaking initiative in Poland on this scale – 5 ha of public space to be redeveloped, between two main Krakow’s roundabouts. The idea of the project, initiated and founded by Skanska, was born more than 3 years ago. In 2017 the first phase of the Superścieżka was completed by Skanska, including development of the surroundings of Axis building as well as Marian Eile square.
For the first time on such a large scale, all interested parties: city authorities, local architects, urbanists, NGOs, inhabitants, users and private investors, jointly undertake the initiative to transform a neglected public areas. Under Skanska’s leadership the creation of new, open, accessible, inspiring space for everyone was possible. The space for everyone - small and big ones, young and old, citizens, tourists, businessmen and of course animals. Everyone is welcome.
Thanks to dedicated Skanska’s team, great ambitions and even greater hopes in this social venture introduced a new quality of creating public space, reflecting the real needs of their users.
What was done over last 3 years? Very difficult to explain in a few words, but…
• 2 vice-presidents of Krakow, various members of local authorities, 20 Polish and international architects, many activists and representatives of NGOs plus Skanska’s project team – both from developer and construction companies, getting together and agreeing the plan to redevelop the area of 5 ha
• 4 workshops, 8 groups, 200 people involved
• Many kilograms of tracing paper and plasticine used
• 70 ideas discovered
• 1 big exhibition dedicated to the final results of workshops
• Number of consultations with Jan Gehl’s Architecture Office – a globally recognized Danish architect and urban planner.
• Number of debates dedicated to the area-development concepts resulting final project
• Opened voting for the final project – almost 150 voters from Krakow
• Best sculpture competition
• Developing Superścieżka by Skanska around Axis building
• 3 years of hard work
• 2000 new shrubs and 60 trees planted
• 2 million PLN spent on paths, greenery, playground with climbing walls, swings, balance beams and sandpit; benches, bike racks, bins and a fountain that became a great new place for kids to play.
• Result: happy people
