Revitalisation of Fort II in Poznań for the needs of the Folk Dance Ensemble headquarters

Project description

The project concerns the revitalisation and adaptive reuse of Fort II “Stülpnagel”, a late nineteenth-century military monument that forms part of the historic Poznań Fortress system. Located on Obodrzycka Street in the south-eastern part of Poznań, Polnad, the fort is one of eighteen outer-ring forts protected as a registered heritage monument. The project proposes the transformation of a historically significant yet underutilised military structure into a contemporary cultural facility serving the needs of the Polish Folk Dance Ensemble “Poligrodzianie” while simultaneously opening the site to the wider public.

The proposal addresses the complex relationship between heritage conservation, contemporary cultural needs, urban development, and environmental protection. It seeks to demonstrate how a former military structure can be adapted to a new function without compromising its architectural authenticity, historical value, and ecological significance. By introducing a cultural programme within the existing fortification, the project aims to activate an overlooked heritage site and create a new cultural destination for a district characterised primarily by residential housing estates and expanding industrial zones.

Research problem

The starting point of the project was the observation that many nineteenth-century fortification structures located within contemporary cities are gradually deteriorating despite possessing considerable architectural, historical, spatial, and social potential. Originally situated on the outskirts of urban areas, many forts have become embedded within the modern urban fabric due to the continuous expansion of cities. Their large scale, unique spatial organisation, and extensive green surroundings make them valuable but challenging objects for revitalisation.

Fort II presents a particularly complex case. The structure is protected by heritage regulations and forms part of a larger fortification system. It is located within an environmentally valuable area that contributes to Poznań’s green wedge-and-ring system and belongs to the Natura 2000 protected network. Decades of insufficient maintenance, uncontrolled vegetation growth, moisture penetration, and inappropriate modifications have gradually reduced the building’s usability while accelerating its physical deterioration.

An additional challenge was the need to reconcile conservation requirements with contemporary functional demands. The selected programme originated from an existing user of the fort, the Folk Dance Ensemble “Poligrodzianie”, whose members currently occupy part of the building. Their long-term presence revealed significant spatial limitations and highlighted the need for functional improvements while respecting the historic fabric of the monument.

Research process

The project was preceded by extensive multidisciplinary research combining historical, architectural, urban, environmental, and social analyses. The research process was designed to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the site and to establish a solid basis for the design intervention.

The first stage focused on historical research. Archival documents, original Prussian military records, conservation documentation, historical plans, and technical surveys were analysed to understand the development of the Poznań Fortress and the specific characteristics of Fort II. This investigation traced the evolution of the fort from its construction between 1878 and 1882, through its military use, wartime modifications, post-war storage functions, and contemporary occupation by various users.

Particular attention was devoted to understanding the typology of standard artillery forts developed by Hans Alexis von Biehler and implemented throughout the German Empire. This historical analysis enabled the identification of original spatial relationships, construction techniques, architectural details, and later alterations requiring conservation intervention.

The second stage involved architectural and technical investigations of the existing structure. Detailed site visits, measurements, photographic documentation, and visual inspections were conducted to assess the condition of the building fabric. The analysis revealed that despite decades of neglect and modifications, the fort retained a substantial portion of its original layout and many historic architectural elements. However, significant issues were identified, including moisture infiltration, damaged waterproofing systems, insufficient natural lighting, uncontrolled vegetation, and deterioration of selected structural components.

A separate area of research focused on the landscape and ecological value of the site. The study examined the historical role of camouflage vegetation within military fortifications and analysed the current ecological significance of the fort as part of Poznań’s green infrastructure system. Particular attention was given to the Natura 2000 Special Area of Conservation “Fortifications in Poznań” and the relationship between heritage preservation and biodiversity protection.

Urban analyses examined the transformation of the fort’s surroundings from agricultural land into a dense urban environment consisting of residential estates, industrial developments, transport infrastructure, and green corridors. Accessibility studies evaluated pedestrian, cycling, public transport, and vehicular connections, identifying both strengths and deficiencies in the current mobility network.

The social and functional aspects of the project were investigated through observations, interviews, and action research involving members of the Folk Dance Ensemble. As the author is also a member of the ensemble, direct participation enabled a detailed understanding of users’ needs, rehearsal processes, spatial requirements, storage demands, and organisational challenges. This user-centred approach ensured that the proposed intervention responded to genuine functional requirements rather than hypothetical assumptions.

Additional research included analyses of dance movement and spatial requirements. Studies of traditional Polish folk dance formations allowed the determination of minimum spatial dimensions necessary for safe and comfortable rehearsals and performances. These findings directly informed the design of the proposed dance spaces.

Finally, case studies of successful fortification revitalisation projects in Poland and Europe were examined to identify best practices in adaptive reuse, heritage conservation, and cultural programming. These examples provided valuable insights into balancing contemporary interventions with historic preservation.

Design concept

The design concept emerged from the conclusion that the fort should not be transformed through radical architectural interventions but rather through precise, carefully targeted actions that enhance functionality while preserving authenticity.

The central idea of the project is the creation of a cultural centre embedded within the historic structure, where contemporary cultural activity becomes a tool for preserving and activating heritage. Instead of treating the fort as a static monument, the proposal sees it as an active part of the city that can support cultural, educational, and community activities. 

The project focuses on the part of the fort currently occupied by the Folk Dance Ensemble. Research demonstrated that this area offers the greatest potential for adaptive reuse while requiring relatively limited intervention within the historic structure. The most significant architectural intervention is the partial roofing of the north-eastern inner courtyard adjacent to the ensemble’s premises. This solution addresses one of the principal challenges identified during the research phase: the lack of sufficient usable space for rehearsals and social activities.

Importantly, the proposed roof structure does not interfere with the historic masonry or alter the original fortification system. Instead, it creates a flexible transitional space that expands the programme while preserving the integrity of the monument. The intervention respects the principle of reversibility, allowing the roof structure to be fully dismantled in the future and the courtyard to be restored to its original state without permanent impact on the historic fabric.

Design development

The design process was guided by several key principles derived from the research findings.

The first principle was the preservation of historical authenticity. Original architectural elements, including brick facades, historic openings, vaults, ventilation systems, and surviving interior details, were retained and incorporated into the new functional programme. Secondary additions and inappropriate alterations were selectively removed or redesigned to improve the readability of the historic structure.

The second principle concerned the improvement of functionality. Existing spaces were reorganised to accommodate rehearsal rooms, support facilities, storage spaces, and educational functions. The adaptation of the former powder magazine into a dance rehearsal room became a particularly important element of the project, demonstrating how military spaces can be successfully transformed into environments that respond to contemporary functional requirements.

The third principle focused on environmental responsibility. Measures were proposed to improve moisture control, ventilation, and building performance while preserving the ecological value of the site. Vegetation management strategies were developed to remove harmful self-seeded growth while maintaining historically appropriate planting patterns and supporting biodiversity. Bat habitats associated with the Natura 2000 protection programme were also incorporated into the design.

Another significant aspect of the design process was the improvement of accessibility and universal design. The proposal seeks to make the historic structure more inclusive and accessible while respecting conservation requirements. Circulation routes were reorganised, and public access to selected areas of the fort was enhanced.

The restoration of the main facade formed an important component of the project. Architectural research identified historic details and traces of previous alterations, providing a basis for conservation and restoration works aimed at recovering the original architectural expression of the fort.

The redevelopment of the fort’s forefield complements the architectural intervention by strengthening connections between the monument and its urban surroundings. New public spaces, recreational areas, and cultural functions transform the previously isolated site into an active element of the local community.

Project significance

The project demonstrates that military heritage can successfully accommodate contemporary cultural functions without losing its historical identity. By combining heritage conservation, adaptive reuse, environmental protection, and community engagement, the proposal offers a sustainable model for the revitalisation of fortification structures.

Beyond its architectural dimension, the project addresses broader urban and social challenges. It contributes to the cultural development of a district lacking significant cultural infrastructure, strengthens local identity, and enhances public access to a valuable heritage site. At the same time, it preserves an important element of Poznań’s historical landscape and green infrastructure system.

Ultimately, the revitalisation of Fort II is not only a conservation project but also an exploration of how architecture can bridge past and present. Through sensitive adaptation, the former military fortress is transformed into a place of culture, education, and community life, ensuring its continued relevance within the contemporary city while safeguarding its heritage value for future generations.