The Malopolska Garden of Arts: photo - Krzysztof Ingarden
The Malopolska Garden of Arts, designed by Krakow's Ingarden and Ewy office, was voted winner in the Cultural category, while Katowice's Scientific Information Centre and Academic Library, by the HS99 office, came out on top in the Museums and Libraries section.
ArchDaily is the world's most visited architectural web site, and the winners were picked by an online vote.
“This group of buildings is unique in several aspects, from their spatial qualities to their structures and materials, but also in terms of what they represent for society and their impact on local communities,” ArchDaily concluded.
Krakow's Malopolska Garden of Arts is a multi-functional cultural centre that includes a library, a cinema and above all a performance hall that can be adapted for theatrical performances, concerts and other events.
Owing to the scarcity of empty lots in central Krakow, it is one of only a very few contemporary buildings to have been raised in the heart of the historic city.
“I'm delighted that the building has been recognised in ArchDaily's awards,” chief architect Krzysztof Ingarden told thenews.pl.
Scientific Information Centre and Academic Library: photo - wikipedia
Last December, HS99 won the Grand Prix at Poland's Life in Architecture Awards, during which Katowice's Scientific Information Centre and Academic Library was declared the finest Polish building of the century thus far.
A full list of ArchDaily's winners, taking in twelve buildings across the world, can be seen here.
Overall, 70,000 votes were cast in the on-line contest. (nh)