PROJECT TYPE: PUBLIC FACILITY

PROJECT OWNER: PRIVATE

LOCATION: TORUŃ / FORT 10

THE TEAM: PRZEMEK GAWĘDA, MARCIN SAJDAK, DARIUSZ WITUCKI, JOANNA RATAJCZAK, DANIEL WIŚNIEWSKI

DATE OF DOCUMENTATION: 2017–2023

The 19th century Toruń Fortress consists of over 200 buildings, including 18 large forts (15 forts of the outer ring and 3 forts which are part of the inner ring). It is one of the most attractive fortification complexes in Europe and one of the largest in Poland. The paradox is that today the greatest enemy of this complex is the passage of time, which contributes to its slow deterioration. This process should be stopped to the extent possible. One of the components forming the Toruń Fortress, Fort 10, also known as the Vistula Battery, was in the hands of a private investor who decided that action should be taken to revitalise and restore it.

Fort 10 is located in a quiet area in the vicinity of the Vistula River, less than 2.5 km from Toruń’s old town. This unique context of the place can be seen especially from above. Fort 10 was built in the years 1889–1892 as an open artillery battery for six 120 mm cannons. The task of the fortress was to control the Vistula valley from the west. It is protected by a 36-metre-wide wet moat with an infantry shelter situated behind. The battery crew consisted of two infantry platoons and several dozen artillerymen operating cannons placed in open fire positions (approx. 120-150 people).

Currently, the shape of the fort is largely distorted and levelled. The design activities focused, among others, on restoring the outlines of earth fortifications such as artillery positions with slopes and shooting benches. The project of developing the fort and restoring earth fortifications was carried out on the basis of historical construction plans, which were prepared at the end of the 19th century.

A hotel and conference function has been designed on the premises of the fort, which will be located in the existing shelter and in newly designed buildings. The new spaces are hidden in the fortress shape of the area. The planned reconstruction of the fortifications and the construction of new buildings will be carried out with respect to the existing trees.

The existing shelter will be renovated, window and door joinery will be restored, ventilation pipes characteristic of Prussian fortifications will appear on the façade. The earth fortifications will be reconstructed and the drainage of the square, which is buried today, will be unblocked.

Date of implementation – 2018–2021