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The project by Julia Zamojska, Magdalena Wrona and Dominika Włodek regarding the color arrangement of the interiors of the Ophthalmology Clinic of the University Clinical Hospital No. 1, received the main prize in the competition organized by Lublin University of Technology and the Hospital. The distinction went to the team composed of Martyna Łęcka, Natalia Gaik and Weronika Lekan.

The task of the architecture students of Lublin University of Technology was to arrange the color of the interior of the Ophthalmology Clinic at Chmielna Street in Lublin, which, after reconstruction, will house the European Center for Innovative Therapy of Macular Diseases. The design was to include colors, material solutions helping in the practical functioning of the building, and visual identification. Each team had to prepare 5 boards.

– This is the third competition in which architecture students took part. The previous two took place in 2017 and 2021. The works of our students can be seen in the building of the Oncological Surgery Clinic at Radziwiłłowska Street and in the newest building of the University Clinical Hospital No. 1 at Staszica Street - reminded the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Prof. Paweł Droździel.

As noted by Prof. Jerzy Rejdak, head of the General and Pediatric Ophthalmology Clinic, they discussed for a long time with the hospital management and university authorities and came to the conclusion that the concept of adapting the facility to the clinic's activities should take into account, on the one hand, wonderful interiors and architecture and the most modern equipment, and on the other - the highest sanitary safety and data protection.

Despite the great challenge, as many as 25 works were submitted to the competition, of which 13 were selected for the second stage. Three projects made it to the finals. The jury chose the idea of three second-year architecture students - Julia, Magda and Dominika.

– What primarily convinced us to do this work was the perfect sense of the interior of the historic building, but also minimalism and subdued colors – said the chairman of the jury, Prof. Bartłomiej Kwiatkowski, vice-dean for student affairs at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture of Lublin University of Technology. He also added that the project requires some modifications, such as introducing markings for the visually impaired or changing the floor to one that is easily washable, but he emphasizes that these issues can be implemented.

The supervisor of the winning team, Małgorzata Kozak, M.Sc. Arch. from the Department of Contemporary Architecture, also drew attention to the need to adapt the building to its character: – This is an existing building, and also a historic one, so we had to refer to its classic character, so that it would not be detached from reality, and combine it with modern solutions. My students managed to do this. I'm proud of them.

Each of them received a check of PLN 2,000 as a reward to be implemented according to their needs. Did they expect their project to win first place?

– We took into account various scenarios, including this one. We are glad that our work has been appreciated. We put a lot of heart and energy into it - said Julia Zamojska.

The minimalist colors proposed by the students not only reflect the historic character of the building's facade, but also are intended to ensure comfort of work for hospital staff who spend a lot of time in these interiors.

However, when designing, they encountered a number of difficulties that they had to face. One of the main ones was the functional condition of the building: – The corridor is an escape route and is not wide, so the use of free-standing furniture was not possible. We had to look for other options, such as suspended plants or foldable equipment - noted Julia.

Prof. Kwiatkowski congratulated all students participating in the competition. – Your works were very interesting and required a lot of knowledge and skills. First of all, you were solving a real problem, you had to deal with a real building. Secondly, you met and learned the opinions of specialists and doctors. You also had to put yourself in the role of patients. These experiences have certainly developed you as architects.

As announced by the hospital’s director, Beata Gawelska, the hospital is planning further investments in obstetrics and gynecology and in the field of infectious diseases. There will be an opportunity to ask Lublin University of Technology for further cooperation.