Unbeknownst to many, Kampus Ochota UW is more than just a collection of buildings. Kampus Ochota UW is a university town in Warsaw. It is located in Ochota between Wawelska, Zwirki i Wigury, Ks. Trojdena, Pawinskiego, Wolnej Wszechnicy, and Pasteura streets.
This area houses scientific and academic institutions. The area is also known as the Ochota Grouping due to its non-compact nature. Plans for a District of Science were presented in the 20th century. The plans were only partially realized.
In the 1920s, the Free Polish University building was constructed. The Radium Institute was built on Wawelska Street. Shortly before World War II, the University of Warsaw’s Chemistry Institute was erected. After the war, the Military Political Academy took over the first building. In the 1950s, it was expanded with a new wing.
The University of Warsaw later acquired this building. Buildings for the Institute of Experimental Biology were located nearby. The buildings followed a socialist realism style. The Faculty of Geology was built on Zwirki i Wigury Street. The long-term plan for the District of Knowledge was abandoned.
The University of Warsaw built more buildings on the land. The Medical Academy and PAN institutes also constructed buildings there. Despite the lack of urban planning, many units emerged. These units focused on mathematical, natural, and medical sciences. They were located between Wawelska, Trojdena, Grojecka, and Zwirki i Wigury streets.
This complex is known as Kampus Ochota. It refers especially to the university part. According to the university’s spatial policy, the campus focuses on science. Humanities and social sciences are located on the central campus. The Służew campus houses accommodation and sports facilities. However, later investments did not fully follow this plan.
In 2007, the University of Warsaw held a competition for the Ochota Grouping concept. Kuryłowicz & Associates won. Several buildings known as new technology centers were then constructed. The Office of Innovation in Academic Space was established in 2016. It adopted new campus development concepts.
In 2017, Kampus Ochota included several faculties. These were the Faculties of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Geology. Also included were the Faculties of Mathematics, Informatics, and Mechanics. You could also find the Biological and Chemical Research Centre.
The Centre of New Technologies and Heavy Ion Laboratory were also here. The Centre for Migration Research and the Sports and Recreation Centre were here too. Student dormitories Muchomorek and Zwirek completed the area. The Faculty of Psychology building was also planned.
The Institute of Genetics and Biotechnology is a bit further away. It shares space with the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics of the Polish Academy of Sciences. In total, the university’s Ochota Grouping has about 20 buildings. These buildings constitute about 40% of the University of Warsaw’s space.
The buildings were constructed according to different designs. Their layout does not follow a general plan. As part of the Office of Innovation plan, the Wyspa square was created. Further campus development is planned. Its axis will run from Kampus Banacha to Maria Skłodowska-Curie Park. It will cross 1300 m, including 270 m on UW land.
The University of Warsaw systematically improves study conditions. New buildings are constructed. Existing ones are modernized. The university considers students’ needs. They seek opinions and suggestions. The spaces are comfortable and functional. They include modern interiors. Students can study together and spend free time there. All buildings are accessible. They include environmentally friendly solutions.
A functional hall of residence is available. There is a modern sports space. A recreational garden is on the roof. The canteen offers vegan food. The new UW Sports Centre will be built in Ochota. Construction work will start in 2025. The building will be twice the size of the existing UW sports centre. It will host sports classes for students and employees.