Axiology of Communication Space and Contemporary Trends of Design of a Transport Hub

Abstract

Background In recent times, the problem of smog is more acutely felt by the inhabitants of Warsaw. This leads to a discussion on how to reduce emissions of harmful chemicals and dust. One of the ideas is to create a transport hub enabling the efficient use of all kinds of public transport. Unfortunately, in the Polish capital there is a lack of such solutions. Therefore, the authors derive knowledge from examples, which they saw in Budapest during the CEEPUS scholarship, when they had the opportunity to meet the designers of some of those objects. Authors based on their observations and analysis have shown types of the project activities, that makes that transport places after revitalization gets new visual and spatial values. That shows that transport hubs can also be pro-social areas which are physical and mental “Stops”. Methods Three transport hubs were chosen: Kalvina Square, Szell Kalman Square and Karoly Boulevard. The main criteria for the selection of the research facilities were: location, the number of available means of public transport and the revitalization of the area after 2000. The following research methods were used: the axiology of the space (J. T. Krolikowski, Fu Tuan), analysis of the urban elements (K. Wejchert, J. Bogdanowksi). The values the objects had before and after the renovation were analysed. The analyses of functional assay were performed using ArcGIS 10.2.2 program. Results The studies are proving that while the revitalization it is possible to maintain the old values and to create further values, by which there is a chance to explore the potential of the place. Presented objects are not only ”concrete interchanges squares” - they are uniting the surrounding space and allowing social networking. Besides the modernization there were able to increase the surface of biologically active area. Conclusions Today the customer is more demanding. That is why it is so important to create new values in the places where visitors congregate. During the project activities it is necessary to remember not only about the transport functions but also expand the possibilities of the property of other features conducive to establishing social ties . Examples of Budapest are a testimony that such actions are possible while maintaining spatial order and the principles of sustainable development. Creating new values strengthens the identity of the place and brings out the character of the place.