MUSEUM OF FIRE IN ŻORY BY OVO GRABCZEWSCY ARCHITEKCI

A fiery, copper-clad museum lights up the city of Żory, Poland

In Polish, żory means fire and flames, and to clear land for the the city of Żory in southern Poland, the surrounding forest was burned to the ground. Fire is a part of the city’s identity. Every summer, the city holds the Festival of Fire and even the flag is emblazoned with a flame. It was therefore only fitting that the architects at OVO Grabczewscy Architekci would make fire the central focus of their project.

The Polish architecture firm was commissioned to create a new expo center to attract visitors and promote tourism in the city. Due to the presence of underground infrastructure, the chosen plot of land left very little ground on which the architects could construct. Seeking inspiration in the face of such structural constraints, the architects decided to make the building a reflection of the city itself.

The wavy, angular shape of the exterior facade is designed to resemble flames, which is enhanced by the copper cladding that covers the concrete walls. Inside, the concrete is left bare in brute contrast to the blazing exterior.

The interior houses a multifunctional reception hall on the ground floor as well as an exhibition hall underground and a variety of technical rooms.

The Museum of Fire is completed by extensive exterior landscaping with the black stone flooring continuing from the interior to the exterior. A Garden of Fire will be added in the near.