SŁOWACKIEGO 7

The building draws inspiration from the historic architecture found in its surroundings. A distinct division into a base section is evident, and the line where the façade breaks has been emphasized in reference to the characteristic roof cornices of historic architecture. Details known from the surrounding Jeżyce tenement houses were used, but given a contemporary expression. Elements such as arched entrance portals highlight important points of the building. The design does not imitate historical forms, but instead enters into a dialogue with its context—a challenging task requiring a balance between the historical and the contemporary. The villa-like tenements on Mickiewicza Street still remain the leading architectural presence.

The project had a strong chance of becoming part of a larger whole, fitting into the winning competition entry for Poznań’s Western Wall. The idea of connecting Zwierzyniecka Street with Słowackiego Street would have continued the “green river” proposed in the winning concept. Unfortunately, formal issues stood in the way, and the opportunity to create these new connections was lost.