The aim of the competition for the Freedom Square And Zdunski Market Place was to select the best urban and architectural design in Kutno, Poland. Such features as spatial development, functionality and practicability were taken into consideration. In the second prize winning proposal by Mado Architekci, they combine the current appearance with the original to create a hybrid square. The hybrid would combine the features of a pro-community, commonly accessible square without any motor traffic, with a square that would satisfy the needs of a modern city. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The said area is located in the center of Kutno and together with The Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square it forms a part of the Royal Route, which has survived until the present times and is subject to preservation maintenance. The current appearance of the Freedom Square is the effect of the reconstruction done by the Nazi Germany during the World War II. The original square was on a slope, so the Nazi ordered to flatten it to make it more functional. Indeed, the change resulted in better functionality, but it deprived the place from its pro-community character. When we compare two photographs: one portraying the square before rebuilding and the other after it, we can see two totally different worlds. On the older photograph we can see people, a living space, whereas on the other one there are machines. The alteration done by the Nazi dehumanized the square.
