Poland More than 15 minutes of fame

Towarowa22 is one of the largest mixed-use projects currently under construction in Warsaw and it is fully aligned with the city’s strategic development plans. The project is being developed by three experienced companies: us – AFI, as the major shareholder and investor, alongside Echo Investment and Archicom. The 6.5 ha site in the city’s Wola district was previously occupied by a printing plant.

Our goal is to build a vibrant urban quarter that naturally combines residential, office, retail, service and public functions. The project brings together contemporary architecture, green space and preserved historical elements. Once completed, Towarowa22 will become a key destination on Warsaw’s map – a place where people can live, work and spend their free time.

How did you become involved in the project to develop this quarter of the city?

Towarowa22 is fully in line with AFI’s long-term strategy of investing in city-shaping, income-generating, large-scale mixed-use projects. A key part of this strategy is growing our presence in the living and office sectors and working on top-quality mixed-use projects in partnership with experienced and trusted developers.

AFI holds a 70 pct stake in the project and serves as the lead investor, sharing its international experience, capital strength and business focus. We’ve joined forces with partners who bring different strengths: Echo Investment brings its know-how in urban regeneration and placemaking; while Archicom adds strong experience in premium residential development.

This collaboration enables us to take a comprehensive and balanced approach – combining diverse functions, strong design and sustainability standards, and long-term value for the city.

How much has the placemaking or the 15-minute concept guided what you are developing there?

The 15-minute city concept has played an important role in shaping our thinking about this project. However, we have chosen to go even further by adopting the superblock model – a compact, people-focused urban design popularised in Barcelona. This model limits car traffic within the development and prioritises pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly internal streets that serve only local needs. Superblocks typically group several city blocks together, creating a multifunctional urban structure with safe walkable spaces and high-quality public areas. We believe this setup supports social interaction and enhances everyday comfort.

At Towarowa22, we are applying this concept to create a city district where diverse users – residential, office, retail, gastronomy and culture – coexist and are anchored by active, human-scaled ground floors. It’s not just about reducing travel time, but also enriching daily life at the local level.

How is sustainability being built into your project and Towarowa22 as a whole?

Sustainability is one of the core principles of Towarowa22. We are developing this project with a long-term view, keeping in mind both user well-being and environmental performance. Office House, the first building in the project, has already achieved BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification with a score of 97.9 pct. This is the highest BREEAM score in Warsaw and is the second highest rated office building in Poland, after V.Offices in Kraków, also owned by AFI. It is also pursuing Well certification to promote a healthy workplace, WiredScore and SmartScore certifications for strong digital infrastructure and smart building features.

However, our approach to sustainability goes beyond certificates. All the office buildings in the complex will include biophilic design elements – such as green loggias and rooftop terraces – that enhance comfort, reduce stress, and strengthen the connection to nature. Our objective is to deliver buildings that are efficient, resilient and supportive of everyday users’ needs.

Which mistakes in the history of urban development are you trying to avoid with Towarowa22?

One of the major mistakes of past urban development has been the creation of monofunctional districts – areas that are busy only during working hours or only in the evenings, but not both. These zones often feel empty, fragmented, and ultimately unsustainable.

With Towarowa22, we are breaking away from that model. Our goal is to create a truly mixed-use, human-scale neighbourhood — a place where diverse functions coexist and enrich one another. Offices, homes, retail, restaurants, cultural venues and green public spaces are all woven into a coherent urban fabric. As a result, the district will remain lively and engaging not just during working hours but also in the evenings and on weekends. By designing for people rather than just for buildings, we are shaping an urban environment that is resilient, inclusive, and full of life.

What value will Towarowa22 give to the city of Warsaw?

Towarowa22 is a vision for the future of urban living. It combines history, care for the environment, and modern design to create a place that improves life for residents, workers and visitors. The project sets a new standard for city-creating, with a strong focus on community, greenery and smart urban solutions.

The area will be transformed into a modern neighbourhood centred around a new 2 ha public park. Towarowa22 will be designed as a walkable district with lively streets, inviting public spaces, and plenty of greenery. It will be a great place for a relaxing walk with the family, a business lunch in bright buildings or trendy restaurants, and for enjoying cultural and social events after work. In doing so, it will set a new benchmark for integrated, high-quality urban development in Warsaw.