The PKO Rotunda, located in Warsaw, Poland is on the verge of being redesigned. The building is owned by the PKO BP bank and was designed back in the 1960’s; however, the Barker Freeman Design Office (BFDO) has proposed a plan for changing the Rotunda’s image. The proposal envelops and surrounds the existing structure in a pleated Dupont Corian Terra canopy while re-cladding the roof and facade in DuPont Sentry Glas. The addition of the canopy allows for extra spaces that can be used for performances, events, and exhibitions by the public. People will also have a new dynamic space which can be reserved for parties and weddings.
In order to make the Rotunda an inviting atmosphere for the public an outdoor amphitheater was added; it connects the outside to an indoor mezzanine as well as providing a gathering and meeting space for citizens and tourists to interact and plan performances and events. The Warsaw Rotunda proposal is to make use of natural solar energy. Photovoltaic cells were placed on the canopy roof using DuPont encapsulants and resins to power the Rotunda and the events taking place within. The DuPont Sentry Glas used on the roof also houses a rain garden allowing for storm water absorption from the hard-scape of the surroundings.
courtesy of BFDO
The new unique design by BFDO of the Rotunda mimics wycinaki, the Polish tradition of intricate paper cutting, as well as the petals of the national flower of Poland, the corn poppy. The canopy’s underside is also a dramatic element that could be up-lit creating a surreal light-show. The redesign proposal introduces the Rotunda surface as multi rings revolving around a single center point. A pool of water is located at the inner ring; it reflects the Rotunda’s new facade. The middle band houses plantations while the outer one is a reflective surface mirroring the canopy’s underside.
courtesy of BFDO
By:Ala’ Abuhasan
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.