BLAST FURNANCE OF THE ‘POKÓJ’ STEELWORK - REVITALISATION PROJECT
ARCHITECT: eM4 PRACOWNIA ARCHITEKTURY. BRATANIEC
2024 RUDA ŚLĄSKA

The revitalisation of post-industrial technical monuments is a challenge in Upper Silesia. The region, which today is a dynamic scientific and technological centre, was until recently mainly famous for its heavy industry and mining. Silesia is not ashamed of its industrial past and is trying to make creative use of and bring back to life neglected post-industrial buildings that have lost their original function as a result of the transformation.

The monumental structure of the blast furnace of the 'Pokój' steelworks is one of the characteristic industrial buildings in the Nowy Bytom district of Ruda Śląska. Its 40-metre-high structure, towering over the surrounding area, has become a permanent feature of the local landscape. Thanks to the funds raised, the blast furnace will be rebuilt and developed in accordance with the concept selected in a competition in 2019. It envisages the creation of a viewing platform with a nature trail, the adaptation of the control room and engine room building for museum purposes, and the construction of a new ‘suspended’ building with an exhibition and display area, as well as a leisure, meeting and refreshment area.

QLAB Laboratory of Light designed the general and decorative lighting for the planned revitalisation. We designed effect lighting that refers to the arc of light emanating from the liquid steel that was smelted in the local steelworks. Designed multimedia projectors will display images from the life of the former steelworks on the newly designed wall of the exhibition pavilion. The project is expected to be completed in December 2026.