Sumptuous style

"Good architecture? It's simple. For me, good architecture becomes part of the atmosphere of a place and respects the immediate surroundings and buildings" - so says an Estonian architect friend ?of mine

Taking a look at the subtle modern architecture in Estonia on a recent trip to the country, I was glad to find that it is not only my friend who bears this principle in mind, but also his colleagues. But upon my return to Warsaw I started wondering again whether we are being too demanding in expecting them to look around and draw some conclusions before they start working on a new project. Well, by the looks of things, many of them seem to think so.
Still, whenever I come across another architectural monstrosity it is something of an unpleasant experience. This was the case this summer, while visiting the Polish coast between Świnoujście and Hel. It so happens that I am still having nightmares about the local turrets and purple-painted villas in these resorts. But I'm also plagued by architectural nightmares that take place in Warsaw. You might think that there are districts which, due to their historic architecture and character, should be slightly more resistant to architectural experiments. However, my last walk in Warsaw's Mokotów district, which is one of the most prestigious districts and comes top of the most desired capital city address rankings every year, proved that this is not always the case. Some developers probably want to provide their clients with something more than just a good address and so focus on the style, which they have probably picked up from an excursion to some eastern metropolis. For the needs of this article, let's call this the 'sumptuous style'.
A classic example of this trend towards vulgarity can be found in one of the residences on ul. Sobieskiego near Warsaw's Łazienki Park. I had always thought that when it comes to flaunting one's money, the Polish were more similar to the slightly more reserved (in this respect) Germans than to their eastern neighbours - a modesty that is exemplified by another residential project nearby, also with a view onto Warsaw's most famous park. According to market reports, prices in this smaller, more modest project have reached up to PLN 44,000 per sqm. And it didn't even have a website. Those who were supposed to know about it, found out, signed the agreements and can now enjoy luxury apartments in a building characterised by good, non-aggressive architecture that is resistant to fluctuating trends. However, in the evenings there are a lot of dark windows in the eyesore of a project on ul. Sobieskiego. It would be interesting to know if the residents have simply not returned home yet or if the kitschy building is simply scaring potential buyers off.
It is perhaps impolite to discuss tastes, but there are some generally accepted norms that should be particularly respected in such prestigious locations. The problem of the mess in urban architecture is as old as the hills. However, I was hoping that, at least in cities which have no shortage of good architects, the situation would look slightly different. Meanwhile, there is another disappointment awaiting us in Mokotów. This time in the very heart of the old part of this historic district. "I think they are trying too hard," concluded an acquaintance, about what is being planned in 2014 for a post-war tenement building on ul. Kazimierzowska. The planned turrets inspired by the famous Chrysler Building in New York for the redevelopment are nothing short of nauseating. I checked out who was behind this project and was surprised to discover that this is someone famous for his love of good architecture and who currently has a very interesting office project in central Warsaw. Who is it? For now I will keep his identity a mystery. Just take a stroll in Old Mokotów in a few years' time and look out for some Chrysler-style turrets.

Mladen Petrov