The birth of the Solidarity movement marks the transition from totalitarianism to an evolved state of freedom and democracy in Eastern Europe. This transition now seems inevitable but at the time it was a struggle against not only a powerful regime but of a world view which was in its waning years of influence and which, therefore, existed in a heightened state of insecurity. This proposal for the European Solidarity Center in no way tries to represent the events of the 1970s and 1980s; architecture that attempts to do this often remains conceptual and inert. The project instead is a platform for experiencing the site and the history within a new context and new spatial sensibility. It is proposed as a lively, open, urban space which will host both exhibitions on historical events and future-looking research and conferences on contemporary social and political issues.

THE SHELL
The massing of the project relates very specifically to the existing landform of the Solidarity Square. This square has an existing topography which is inclined toward the ESC site. Our proposal is to extend this slope upward to define a low, stealthy building mass which becomes a long-span Shell. This Shell is the figural opposite of the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers, which is defined by its symbolic upward thrust. In this way, our proposal avoids competing with it spatially and symbolically. It is characterized by cellular apertures which are generated in a way to maximize visual connections to Solidarity

THE WINTERGARDEN
The Wintergarden, a traditionally supplemental function, becomes the central organizing space of the building. It is a garden microclimate intended for contemplation and relaxation which is simultaneously interior and exterior, natural and artificial. Suspended from the Shell, the Wintergarden can be seen from many spaces in the building and it contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere of the building.

The Wintergarden connects various programs in the building such as the Multifunctional Halls, Exhibition Halls, and the Jean Paul II Hall into a network of pathways and spaces. It is oriented in the building in such a way to allow continuous views of the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers, the historic Gate No. 2, and the Lenin Shipyards. The John Paul II Hall is located in a vaulted glass space in the Wintergarden which overlooks Solidarity Square. This Hall is not a private space but rather an open, public space where religious activities can integrate subtly with urban activities.

The Shell and Wintergarden operate together structurally forming a long-span structure. This structure is characterized by a cellular structure of large hollow members which delaminate inward to form moment frames and structural diaphragms. This structure allows maximum openness in the internal spaces and maximum integration of various building systems.

ENERGY
The Wintergarden is critical for thermal performance as well as structural performance. It acts as a solar buffer in summer and a greenhouse in winter. In wintertime, the greenhouse effect allows for the cultivation of various plants in above freezing temperatures creating a year-round garden. Heat is stored in concrete floors, and excess heat gain is transferred around the building to reduce the overall heating load. In summertime, excess heat gain is collected in the Wintergarden and vented into the atmosphere. Heat exchangers are used to reclaim energy from this venting which will be transferred to the air conditioning system elsewhere in the building. The natural ventilation system is opened at night to cool the space and recharge thermal mass on the interior.