City centre face-lifts

 One example...

According to Agata Mikołajczak, DTC Real Estate’s press spokesperson: “The development of our retail holdings is directly connected with the development of their environment. The need to breathe life into the city centre is also understood as creating friendly and attractive pedestrian space.”

 Agata Mikołajczak adds: “Apart from preparing and undertaking the face-lift of the Pasaż, DTC Real Estate has also come up with detailed architectural concepts for investment work on the city’s smaller squares, allowing Warsaw council to go ahead with further revitalization projects. We will continue our cooperation with the city in implementing such renovations, particularly as regards the planned renovation of the section of ul. Złota between the Sawa and Junior department stores.”

Washout

 It is not only Warsaw that is giving its public areas a facelift. One of the most important schemes of this type in recent years is the Katowice centre redevelopment project. The architectural and urban planning competition to re-develop Katowice city centre was won by a team of young architects led by Tomasz Konior.

The project takes into account all the various functions which a public area must fulfil. New squares, boulevards, a city hall, a science centre, a cabaret theatre, retail outlets, restaurants, offices and recreation facilities will be built.

There are many examples of cities which have risen from a neglected state to become architectural gems. Katowice may soon be added to the list.

Geyser made in Rybnik

 Opole is another city which cares for both its image and its citizens’ comfort. The result of a competition for a design to develop the square in front of Opole’s railway and intercity bus stations, together with the surrounding area, was recently announced. No first prize was awarded. Instead, two distinctions were given to Eduard Langer of Walzbachtal in Germany and Michał Stangel of Gliwice.According to Małgorzata Maśko of Opole city council: “The winning concepts assumed that the bus station platforms would be housed in the arcades of a new several storeys tall building forming part of the neighbouring structure, including a pavilion with a café and an information kiosk in the square, the construction of a multi-storey car park and also the design of the square in front of the station in the form of a vinyl record – a reference to a city synonymous with Polish popular music.”Zuzanna Wiak