The reconstruction of Plac Lotnikow is selected as the best-executed project of the last dozen years by a panel of experts at the close of the annual Westival,  Szczecin’s month-long celebration of architecture.

The Signum Temporis competition – literally, a ‘sign of the time’ – sought to highlight the most outstanding works in the period 1996-2008, with architects, planners and investors invited to submit proposals. The reconstructed square, home to a reproduction of 15th century Florentine sculptor Andrea Verrocchio’s monument to mercenary soldier Bartolomeo Colleoni, is located in the city centre and beat out more than 20 nominated projects for the award, which was presented on 27 November, at the closing ceremonies of the festival.

The work of architects Marek Szymański and Marek Orłowski, the reconstruction earned praise for its European character. Judges, including Marian Fikus, a professor from Poznan, and Jan Tarczyński and Andrzej Popiel, representatives of the city chapter of the Polish Architects Association, noted that despite its location on a major thoroughfare, the square offered quiet spaces for rest and relaxation.

Jurors awarded honorable mentions to housing estates on Ku Słońcu Street, Magnolia Park at Klonowica Street and a dwelling at 13 Spadziowa Street. The Westival event serves to bring together planners and practitioners and residents in an effort to share information and foster a pro-active environment for local development.