According to the Noble Prize winner’s intention, the foundation is to become a space for an international discussion about the potential of literature in diagnosing the visible and invisible world and in describing the reality where xenophobic and nationalistic moods grow dangerously fast, and for a conversation about art and the human being as a part of nature. It is to become a meeting place for authors and translators from around the world and to pursue educational, scholarship or residency programs.
Old climate, new destination
Even though the villa at the intersection of ul. Krzycka and Zimowa has not been in use for years, it has retained its unusual climate and everything must be done to preserve this specific charm in spite of using many modern solutions.
The building will retain its former character, but it will gain new functions. These include an internal lift (for this purpose, it was necessary to lower the foundations in some areas) and the adaptation of the entire usable area, including the cellar (where the café–restaurant part is under construction) to the needs of disabled persons.
Greenhouse, fruit garden and winter garden
On the outside, at the back of the villa, the old greenhouse and the shed were demolished in the garden part, and one dried tree had to be removed. The rest of the plants, including the beautiful magnolia, remains in place. Particularly fruit trees. The soil will obviously be recultivated, and new plants will be added.
The greenhouse will also be new in place of the demolished terrace, with its intended use both for the office–administrative part of the foundation and for current cultural and educational activity. In addition, it will provide a magnificent view of the garden at any time of the year. New greenhouse structures will be inscribed into old bricks discovered under the building. The contractor will place the greenhouse skeleton on a metal structure, and aluminium elements and glass walls will be subsequently added.
The seat of Olga Tokarczuk’s Foundation will occupy three storeys and the attic with the mezzanine in the villa. The space under the roof in the old garage will also be used for the needs of current activity, with a new concrete floor and roof under construction.
