Daniel Libeskind has been tapped by the City of Łódź, his hometown, in collaboration with inLodz21 Institution, to design a series of cultural hubs in his home city. Nexus21 consists of 21 unique interventions that range from buildings to urban spaces located in prominent neighborhoods designed to invigorate areas of the city with hubs that highlight the creativity and innovation of the city.
Each of these new hubs will pay homage to the cultural, historical, and industrial heritage of Łódź including architecture, textiles, fashion, and film. “The Nexus21 project aims to create meaningful connections throughout the city by expressing the memory, history and vital energy of the city and people of Łódź. Each project aims to tell a unique story about the extraordinary strength and power of the city and its citizens,” said architect, Daniel Libeskind.
Image © Daniel Libeskind
The project employs an innovative approach to urban revitalization: by focusing on multiple neighbors in the center of the city, it will allow the plan to unfold at the pace of economic development. The 21 sites, mostly empty blocks and derelict structures, will be revitalized to create point investments that amplify the character and functionality of each site.
The plan targets the spaces in between buildings within the center of the urban plan to create a vibrant nexus between the old and the new while adding value to the historic neighborhoods of Łódź. The aim is to create a chain reaction of development across the city that enriches the public realm. “The Libeskind plan identifies prominent sectors in culture and industry that looks beyond the property lines,” said Krzysztof Dudek, Director, inLodz21 Institution.
Image © Daniel Libeskind
Nexus: Łódź Architecture Center
The first investment is the new Łódź Architecture Center that will be located in the historic center of Łódź. The Architecture Center will connect the neighborhood’s retail and tourist destinations with an iconic sculptural structure set to become a cultural gateway and destination. The project completes the connections between the historic context of the neighborhood while invigorating the block with a dynamic geometric form that incorporates glazed skylights and a green roof.
The Center will explore the historical architectural traditions of Łódź, as well as be a place for discovery through state-of-the-art technology. The Center will provide exhibition and educational spaces, as well as facilities for public performances and events. Subsequent developments include a Fashion Innovation Center that will explore and celebrate the rich history and traditions of the Łódź textile and fashion industries. The Center will be a generator for innovation and technology, bringingnew creative ideas to this historic industry in Poland.
Image © Daniel Libeskind
Also built will be the House of the Futures, a center devoted to the exploration of questions on how we want to live and where the citizens see the future of the City. Part innovation and technology center, part community forum, the House of the Futures will be an open dialogue with the city of Łódź. The Center will provide exhibition and educational spaces, as well as facilities for public performances and events. Subsequent developments include a Fashion Innovation Center that will explore and celebrate the rich history and traditions of the Łódź textile and fashion industries.
The Center will be a generator for innovation and technology, bringingnew creative ideas to this historic industry in Poland. Also built will be the House of the Futures, a center devoted to the exploration of questions on how we want to live and where the citizens see the future of the City. Part innovation and technology center, part community forum, the House of the Futures will be an open dialogue with the city of Łódź. Source and images Courtesy of Daniel Libeskind.