Szerokie Możliwości Center by SAAN Architekci
In the Szerokie district of Lublin, Poland, SAAN Architekci designed the Szerokie Możliwości Activity Center as a public space that fosters integration and supports local initiatives, meetings, recreational activities, and intergenerational engagement. The space, including a workspace, children’s play corner, kitchenette, and multifunctional zone, serves many different functions depending on users’ needs, featuring a design inspired by local history and landscape with a natural and welcoming atmosphere.
About Szerokie Możliwości
Transformation of Office Space
The center is located in a converted space of approximately 130 square meters (1,400 square feet). The project was carried out in a former office area, which was completely transformed into an open, multifunctional, and flexible interior. SAAN architects began the design process with meetings with neighborhood residents. Together, they analyzed user needs, defined functional expectations, and explored aesthetic preferences. Based on this input, the team developed a space concept focused on creating a place for activity, collaboration, and relaxation—open and accessible to everyone.
Multifunctionality and Flexibility
The “Szerokie Możliwości” Activity Center was designed to serve many different functions depending on users’ needs. The space can accommodate workshops, educational and recreational classes, neighborhood meetings, cultural events, and physical activities such as yoga. It also includes a workspace, a children’s play corner, a kitchenette with a café-like area, and a multifunctional zone that acts as both a reception and work area. Thanks to a system of curtains and felt panels mounted on ceiling rails, smaller zones can be easily separated and the layout adapted to different group sizes and event types. The architects emphasized mobility—lightweight furniture and movable tables make it easy to rearrange the space, ensuring it remains dynamic and adaptable.
Aesthetic Inspired by History and Nature
Aesthetically, the project draws inspiration from the local history and landscape of the Szerokie district. The brick-toned interior references the old brickyards that once operated in this part of the city, while the use of green reflects the lush vegetation and orchards once typical of the area. The chosen materials emphasize a natural and welcoming atmosphere. One wall was finished with brick, and the space is complemented by potted plants brought in by residents themselves, giving the interior a personal and authentic character.
A Project Despite Limitations
Despite a limited budget and the fact that the space is rented—meaning changes to the structure of walls, ceilings, and floors were not possible—the project was realized almost entirely in line with the original visualizations. The architects implemented creative and cost-effective solutions that achieved both functional and aesthetic goals without expensive structural alterations. Custom-designed features include original pictograms, mirrors, and upholstered panels that enhance visual interest and acoustic comfort.
Social Architecture in Practice
The “Szerokie Możliwości” Activity Center is the result of a model collaboration between architects and residents. Co-creating the space not only ensured that the design met functional and aesthetic expectations, but more importantly, it led to rapid and enthusiastic adoption by the community. The Szerokie district, previously lacking meeting places, child-friendly areas, and social activity zones, gained a local hub for community life—accessible, inclusive, and ready to meet a variety of needs.
A Project with Supralocal Potential
The project by SAAN Architekci exemplifies how architecture can truly support the development of local communities and respond to contemporary needs for integration and collaboration. The center not only fills a gap in the social infrastructure of the Szerokie district but also has the potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of Lublin and beyond.
It is worth noting that the initiator and operator of the Center is the Teatrikon Foundation, which received funding from the budget of the City of Lublin.
Photography by Paweł Waga
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