The Concordia Design Center in Wrocław, Poland, is a versatile mixed-use space that combines coworking facilities with an event center, food plaza, coffee shop, and outdoor platform. This project involved renovating and expanding a historic 19th-century building. During the design process, the architect preserved the original facade while integrating new sections to enrich the public space experience for local residents.
This area carries a rich and complex history. The existing building is the last remaining structure from the Battle of Breslau during World War II. Today, it serves as a popular gathering spot for young people and a hub for creative culture. The architect aimed to honor the local heritage through this renovation while welcoming both young visitors and local citizens to fully immerse themselves in the space.
The architect drew inspiration from the Roman deity Janus to symbolize the passage of time and historical transformation. Employing a symmetrical design both in form and interior layout, the project features three-story stepped gaps at both building entrances. While maintaining symmetry, the architect introduced spatial variation by preserving the original facade on one side and adding new elements. For example, a coffee shop was placed at one entrance, retaining the authentic brick and stone walls.
△ Sectional drawing AA
On the opposite side of this asymmetrical layout, the architect created a park and food plaza to better engage the younger visitors. The building’s end here features a transparent, modern three-layer glass wall that complements the open park space. Additionally, Polish artist Alicja Biała was commissioned to paint a large mural, expressing care and respect for everyday life and the connection between urban living and nature.
Nathalie de Vries, founding partner of MVRDV, remarked, “A unique aspect of the local period is its vibrant public spaces and the development and use of the riverbank environment. Concordia Design Center seeks to blend historic structures with creative, organic environments, creating a harmonious public space that enhances local social engagement and reputation.”
The design also respects the site’s history by preserving the original rooflines. The window openings in the new extension were thoughtfully planned to align with the remaining facade, ensuring the asymmetric layout complements the overall architectural form. Beyond the coffee shop and food plaza, the project includes 4,500 square meters dedicated to coworking spaces. Additionally, glass protective walls were installed on the rooftop terrace, offering visitors stunning views of the city.
Ewa Voelkel Krokowicz, COO of Concordia Design Center, shared her thoughts: “Our collaboration with MVRDV has successfully created a highly integrated, democratic space for diverse groups of residents. We strive to understand the unique history and development potential of this space, providing creative communities and young entrepreneurs with the environments they need while offering city dwellers a place for everyday relaxation. We are proud to meet the needs of varied groups and attract fresh faces through the openness of this space.”
△ Plan view
Project Information
Project Type: Office Facilities, Indoor Office
Location: WROCŁAW, Poland
Architectural Firm: MVRDV
Area: 7,000 m²
Year: 2020
Photographer: Juliusz Sokołowski
Responsible Partner: Nathalie de Vries
Project Partner: Fokke Moerel
Project Team: Uca Moscelli, Mateusz Wojcieszek, Matteo Ornato, Brygida Zawadzka, Bartosz Bochynski, Carolin Cremer, Michal Bala
Visual Presentation: Antonio Luca Coco, Pavlos Ventouris
Strategy and Development Plan: Willeke Vester, Greetje Wieringa
Owner: Concordia Design (Ewa Voelkel Krokowicz, CEO; Aleksandra Chachaj, external project manager)
Local Architectural Firm: Q2 (Maciej Janczyk, Marcin Kucharski)
Mural Artist: Alicja Biała
Contractors: DEMIURG, WEGNER
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