Proposal for a new public square in the centre of Warsaw, in front of the landmark Palace of Culture building as part of an international competition.

Inspired by the ancient, protected Polish forest landscapes, where wild bison roam, the new square rises up towards the palace via a series of stepped contours. A canopy supported by slender metal columns provides shelter under a pattern of photovoltaic ‘leaves’. The historic bandstand is re-configured as a pivoting platform – a roaming bison – and a new, sunken courtyard provides access to a future subterranean gallery.

Client: Capital City of Warsaw

Budget: 20,000,000 PLN (approx. £4.1m)

Status: Competition proposal

Team: MatterArchitecture, Jackson Coles