All images: DELVA Landscape Architects, Michael van Gessel, Mecanoo and Jojko Nawrocki Architekci

Lazienki Park, Warsaw: A team consisting of DELVA Landscape Architects, Michael van Gessel, Mecanoo and Jojko Nawrocki Architekci won the competition to design the 2.5-hectare “Garden of the 21st Century” and integrated exhibition pavilion in Lazienki Park, Warsaw. Second prize went to the Warsaw office WXCA sp. z.o.o.

Lazienki Park is one of the most important tourist destinations in Warsaw and includes many 18th and 19th century buildings. The park’s existing gardens were all designed around these historic buildings.

Lazienki Park: Garden of the 21st Century

The new 2,5 hectare garden will be part of Lazienki Park, one of the most important touristic destinations in Warsaw that includes many 18th and 19th century buildings such as the Royal Baths, a Roman-inspired theatre and a water tower. The existing gardens in the park were all designed around these historic buildings.

The Garden of the 21st Century is special, because the design of the pavilion follows the design of the landscape. In the winning scheme, the underground pavilion appears to grow out of the undulating walkway surrounding the garden. The design of the building follows the form of the landscape.

Example of 21st century’s landscape architecture

Two entry points are carved out of the sidewalls and another one out of the landscape. A prairie, a richly flowering and continuously changing meadow, covers the garden. The edge of the undulating garden and pavilion is defined by a broad path and adjacent retaining wall and balustrade, which functions as a long bench.

Both the garden and pavilion will provide new cultural life to the park with its many museums. The pavilion will host large temporary exhibitions, whereas the garden will play a role in local environmental education as well as be an example of 21st century landscape architecture.

Interested in garden design? Learn more about the International Garden Festival in the USA.