Mix-use adaptations in sustainable regeneration of barrack complexes

Abstract

Historical barrack complexes constitute a separate genre in architectural typology and a crucial component of cultural landscape in garrison towns. Their construction impacted spatial development of historic cities. Military compounds were usually formed in a raster pattern, which spawned the grid plan further to adjacent streets forming a connection with the existing urban area, thus stimulating growth and modernization of cities. Originally positioned on the outskirts, today they become liaisons between historic downtowns and contemporary suburbs. They are excellently suited for that role, because by default they are utilitarian. Still they are endangered and neglected. For singleminded investors their material substance is worthless compared to the land they stand upon. The Wrzeszcz Barracks give proof that there exists a way to innovatively reintroduce this genre into city scope. Following in the footsteps of European exponents in Turin or Freiburg, the ‘Garnizon Neighborhood’ is one of the most successful mix-use regeneration efforts of post-military complexes in Poland. The paper constitutes a case study of regeneration indicating its strong and weak points in relation to similar undertakings.