Gallery under the Plafond

An Innovative Interior Design for the Lower Silesian Public Library
The Lower Silesian Public Library, located in the historic “Under the Golden Palm” tenement house on the Wrocław market square, is indisputable proof that innovation and respect for historical heritage can go hand in hand. This project encompassed the modernization of the “Gallery under the Plafond,” the reception area with an information desk, the cloakroom, and a restroom facility adapted for people with disabilities. The building, under conservation protection, houses unique artistic elements, such as a plafond designed by architect Maciej Kujawski and painted by his wife, Anna Szpakowska-Kujawska, as well as ceramic wall compositions called “Chmury” (“Clouds”). The distinctive flooring and architectural details complete the ensemble, ensuring a one-of-a-kind ambiance in the historic interior.
Created half a century ago during the communist era, the plafond artwork plays a particularly significant role here. The brown figures with large blue eyes symbolize daily reality, while the floating blue silhouettes represent dreams and freedom. This contrast became the guiding principle of the project—combining tradition with modernity in a spirit of harmonious coexistence between art and functionality.

Highlighting Art Through Parametric Technology
One of the most critical challenges lay in reconciling two divergent objectives. The gallery, through an austere design, needed to serve as a neutral backdrop for the artworks presented, allowing them to fully resonate. Meanwhile, the reception—forming the heart and showpiece of the institution—had to radiate a representative character. The solution was to implement parametric technology—thoroughly modern yet highly versatile in terms of arrangement and form.
Direct inspiration was drawn from the soft, organic shapes of the aforementioned ceiling. Its dynamic lines and symbolic meaning were creatively translated into the layout of the interiors, furnishings, and details. Consequently, a new layer of design was established, which pays homage to the historic space while standing out through its innovative approach.
The furniture, designed based on the principles of parametric design, resembles sculptures with fluid, gentle contours. They interact discreetly with the plafond and the ceramic “Clouds,” and their forms fully meet functional requirements: serving as counters, seating, shelves, or information points. The choice of birch plywood was deliberate—its warm hue refers back to the brown figures in the plafond artwork, creating aesthetic cohesion between the past and the present.

A New Take on the “Golden Palm”
The name of the “Under the Golden Palm” tenement house inspired subtle accents within the interior that preserve historical memory while also surprising with their freshness. Live palm trees adorn the bench set by the windows, serving as an unusual decoration and an open invitation to relaxation and contemplation. The wall behind the reception area features palm-leaf-inspired patterns, adding a light, exotic flair. Copper details, symbolizing gold, were introduced subtly into the fittings and accessories, producing a delicate gleam that enlivens the space. The cloakroom also incorporates elements inspired by the palm and the shape of the plafond artwork.
Lighting was another key focus of the project. Linear, curved LED fixtures emphasize the gentle lines of the furniture and ceiling, bringing out the sculptural nature of the parametric forms. Additional, warmer-colored light sources were placed in key spots, such as above the reception area and near decorative elements, highlighting their ornamental character. This created a layered lighting effect in which the starkness of contemporary fixtures merges with the friendly, somewhat colorful historical ambience. The greenery, including the aforementioned palm trees, was selected to temper the modern context—giving the interior a sense of warmth and introducing a touch of nature into the space.

Functionality in the Service of the Community
A primary objective was to create a space that would be open and welcoming to a broad range of visitors. Consequently, the reception and information desk were designed to enable smooth communication with library patrons and tourists. The space has been fully adapted to the needs of people with disabilities—wide passageways, low-positioned information points, and specialized restroom equipment ensure comfort and freedom of movement for every user.
It is worth noting that the newly designed interior can be easily adapted to evolving needs. After all, the “Gallery under the Plafond” serves various dynamic functions: it is not only an exhibition space but also a venue for meetings, workshops, and lectures. Through a neutral yet striking framework—achieved via an austere background and flexible arrangement of sculptural, parametric furnishings—the gallery gains a multifunctional dimension.

Enthusiastic Reception and the “Wow” Factor
One of the most telling indicators of the project’s success is the response of the visitors themselves. Library regulars and tourists alike often pause in the vestibule of the gallery or at the reception desk to admire the new forms or capture their impressions in photos. The “wow” factor that accompanies the parametric, organic shapes of the furniture set against the historic details confirms that the designers created a space that is visually intriguing while remaining faithful to its historical context. The project encourages informal interaction with art, yet also allows visitors to fully enjoy the library’s functionality and professional services.

Dialogue Between Past and Present
This design breaks away from conventional approaches to adapting historic buildings. The use of parametric technology in a listed structure was initially met with a certain level of caution. However, the final result proved that a thoughtfully conceived composition of modern forms can not only avoid overwhelming cultural heritage, but can actually highlight its unique character.
Furniture and decorative elements designed in the style of organic sculptures give the impression of having always been an integral part of the interior. Both the plafond artwork and the ceramic “Clouds” gained new interpretative contexts as a result, while the space itself achieved cohesion and a continuity of forms. The outcome is a timeless dialogue between past and present, accentuating the significance of historical heritage while simultaneously opening the door to further innovation in similar venues.

A Precedent
This project stands as an exceptional example that bold design decisions do not necessarily mean breaking with history and tradition. On the contrary: parametric technology, employed with respect for existing heritage elements, becomes a tool that emphasizes and revitalizes those aspects that might otherwise remain hidden.
The educational and promotional dimension is also worth noting. Exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks held at the gallery attract a wide audience, simultaneously raising awareness of the value of well-designed public spaces. The success of this undertaking encourages other institutions to consider similar solutions and to be more daring when attempting to creatively unite past and future.
Ultimately, the “Gallery under the Plafond” in the “Under the Golden Palm” tenement house, enhanced with innovative solutions and underscored by historically inspired forms, becomes a site of unique cultural significance. It captivates art and design connoisseurs as well as casual passersby, who increasingly stop to snap a photo or simply step in and discover this surprising world of contrasts. It is a space that promotes reflection, making it a model of how contemporary architecture can give new life to historic buildings, creating places that attract and inspire future generations.

Looking Ahead
The successful modernization of the entrance area has paved the way for further renovation work throughout the 6,000-square-meter building. Plans include continuing work with parametric technology, which will create one of the largest examples in Europe of combining historic architecture with parametrically designed interiors. This initiative will strengthen the position of the Lower Silesian Public Library as a pioneer in redefining the relationship between history and modernity.

“Today, I can now say with absolute certainty that it was worth it. Of course, there was some stress involved. We conducted research together with the library, and it turned out to be something of a precedent, because most likely no one in Europe had ever before designed parametric interiors in such a thoroughly historic structure. It simply hadn’t been done…” – Grzegorz Kłoda

Name of the project:  Interior design project for the “Gallery under the Plafond” and entrance area of the Tadeusz Mikulski Lower Silesian Public Library in Wrocław
Investor:  Tadeusz Mikulski Lower Silesian Public Library in Wrocław
Lead Designer:  Grzegorz Kłoda
Designer:  Justyna Baran
Area:  250m²
Completion:  2024 r.
Photographs:  Wojciech Januszewski, Tutek Media
Scope: Interior design project with author supervision