Already in mid-2021, the residents of Łódź will be able to use a new city square in FUZJA, one of the largest revitalization projects currently carried out by Echo Investment. The square will be located in the central part of the project, in front of a historic Power Plant, a showcase of the former Scheibler empire. Medusa Group is responsible for the architectural design of the space.

A square with an area of nearly 3,600 sq m will be one of the many common and open spaces planned in the area of Fuzja, which will be over 4 hectares. Situated in the heart of the investment, the new square will be an urban courtyard, inviting everyone to spend time in a unique setting of history and greenery. The concept is to create a friendly space in front of the historic power plant, which will be conducive to various activities, such as sports or social games, and at the same time will allow for relaxation and rest. It will be a place where everyone will find something for themselves. The zones separated by the natural layout of the space will provide a variety of functions for the square. It will therefore include a green part of a forest character, a gravel shade zone that will be planted with birches and arranged with a free arrangement of seats, a zone of low lawns, as well as a non-standard playground that develops the imagination of the youngest. All common areas have been designed with care and responsibility for spatial order and the environment. A characteristic feature of the investment is the balance between the buildings and the planned and carefully thought-out greenery integrated into the area, which will constitute 35% of the common areas of the complex. 15 existing trees will be preserved in the area of Fuzja, and the investor will plant another 92 trees—birches, maples and rowan trees, among others.

Our ambition was to design the most natural surroundings possible. We did not want to create another concrete space that heats up and reflects sunlight. We wanted a green area where the rain falls, and the water is retained not by standard equipment, but naturally, e.g. through rain gardens. So, we are creating a new area in Łódź, an area for people who believe that greenery is a value for the entire community. In the common areas there will be trees, perennials, shrubs and grasses that will be integrated into the whole complex very naturally. Greenery will coexist with the surroundings in an unforced and unrestricted way. Our experience shows that such spaces are a clear social need, to which we respond with our project – said Przemo Łukasik from the Medusa architectural studio.

The new square will correspond with the historic buildings of Fuzja. Its heart and focal point will be the historic power plant of 1910—today, the plant is one of the most beautiful examples of the industrial secession style in Poland and Europe. Currently, the external façade of the monument is undergoing renovation works. The chimney of the power plant, which towers over the complex at a height of 80 meters, has already regained its former splendor and original architectural details. The stained-glass windows decorating the building have also undergone conservation. The effect of all these works can be seen at the beginning of next year. The post-industrial character of the square will also be commemorated by incorporating cast iron plates into the surface of its floor, recovered in the investment area during the revitalization process. The opening of a public square will be another step towards restoring 8 hectares of historical space to Łódź.

We have set ourselves the goal of giving the city and its inhabitants a diverse and unique place that will offer a new quality of life and leisure activities. This is what Fuzja will be like—innovative, putting the welfare of the local community first and designed in accordance with the latest global trends. The great value of our investment is the history of industrial Łódź and the history of people who made up the city’s textile power behind it. We want to assign to the historic area neglected for years with new objects and new functions that will build the identity of this place and create its community. The new square will not be a standard interconnected surface that we used to see in cities. Its individual areas will be spread out in space, thanks to which we will gain smaller climatic zones with different functions, while ensuring a sense of intimacy. The square will allow us to organize various activities for Łódź residents, such as yoga classes, workshops, picnics and cultural events. We are glad that in just a few months part of the Fuzja space will be teeming with life again – said Waldemar Olbryk, member of the management board of Echo Investment.

Works on two residential buildings have already been completed on the site and first owners will collect keys to their apartments in December. In November, works began on the third building, which will accommodate 237 comfortable apartments. In September, in turn, works related to the construction of the first two office buildings with a total area of 19,900 sq m, started. Their completion is planned for the first half of 2022.

Fuzja—project carried out by Echo Investment—will bring back life to post-industrial areas of the former Karol Scheibler’s factory in Łódź. Ultimately, the entire project will consist of four apartment buildings, offices with a total area of approximately 40,000 sq m, space for services, shops and restaurants in historic buildings, as well as public space with squares, green areas and urban infrastructure. There will be 20 buildings with various functions, 14 of which are historic buildings that will be revitalized.