Laudation by Philipp Sattler as download.
The park commemorates the pivotal moment in Polish history that was the Warsaw Uprising of 1944. The hill was used to dispose of rubble from the parts of Warsaw that were destroyed during the Second World War. By the mid-1960s, vegetation had taken hold, turning the mound into a ruderal forest.
Designed by topoScape and Archigrest, the park is a vibrant space where history, recreation and community interaction converge. By incorporating native plant species and promoting biodiversity, the project transcends traditional landscaping. The environmental strategy includes the natural succession process, increasing biodiversity through new planting, supporting the soil-building process, micro-retention, creating ecological niches and using bio-receptive rubble concrete.
Special methods were employed to construct the pathways and walls due to heritage protection. The walls were constructed using layered concrete with rubble and sand in formwork. The gabion exhibition’s design was inspired by people’s memories of describing the city as a labyrinth of ruins.
The jury considers the park to be a striking example of how public spaces can combine history with modern functionality and climate mitigation. The park raises public awareness of sustainability, reduces the carbon footprint and demonstrates how nature adapts to climate change.