Road to Freedom in Gdańsk - competition estate, first prize
The planned space encompasses various moods creating a coherent narrative. It begins with raw and bold symbols of suffering, struggle, and sacrifice - the Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers and Gate No. 2.
Secured civil rights give meaning and harmony to life - hence the objects are juxtaposed with the apple orchard densifying towards the Occupational Health and Safety Hall - a human-friendly space symbolizing the rebirth and fruitful life emanating from the ideals of Solidarity close to the human heart. As free citizens, we mature towards values such as pluralism, respect for others, and tolerance. Therefore, the Road to Freedom should diverge in many directions at its end - the diversity of civil society should be expressed here in open forms: both in the multifunctional and flexible square by the dormant Vistula River and in the small-scale architecture along the entire Road - spaces and details inspiring various forms of human activity.
A unique feature of the August events was the combination of the harsh realities of the lives of the Coast workers with their aspiration for the loftiest ideals of humanity. The Solidarity period was primarily a spiritual revolution. Therefore, in the planned space of the Road to Freedom, the raw industrial remnants of the former shipyard (cranes) or surfaces reminiscent of the post-industrial character of this place (corten) should harmoniously coexist and contrast with poetic elements (apple orchard) of a gentle, discreet, and atmospheric symbolic dimension.
It is advisable to avoid further direct monumental forms so as not to devalue the significance of many distinct objects in this place. Setting the mood for the Road to Freedom, the Solidarity Square was given a intimate form, with its sides built with a row of tall greenery framing views of the Monument to Fallen Shipyard Workers, which along with the European Solidarity Centre building will form a closed symbolic space.
Gate No. 2 was treated as a standalone object with a forecourt on both sides - a stark historical testimony occurring in the enclosed space of the square in clear spatial relation to the Monument. The significance of this place is so strong that any attempts to compete with it through other monumental forms seem unwarranted. The ideals of the Polish August do not belong to a closed chapter of history. Freedom as one of the fundamental human rights requires the creation of a space that is friendly and subject to humanity, generating its further development.
The Road to Freedom is to become close to humanity, giving it a proper place corresponding to its role, its human dignity. A place that the August Agreements gave to humanity, marked by the Solidarity movement.
