Architect in the position of historic preservationist - "I have a different outlook".
Ewa Karendys: The discussion revolves around the building that would soon replace LOT, one of Gdansk's most distinctive buildings.
Igor Strzok: Back in 1946, the ruins of the Danziger Hof, a luxury hotel from 1898, stood there. These ruins were demolished in an effort to open up a panorama of rebuilt Gdansk. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, they changed their minds. At that time, Polish architects were delighted with their creative freedom and the first modernist building in Gdansk was constructed, a manifestation of the modernity of Polish architecture.
Ewa Karendys: Unfortunately, in 1977, when the commercial pavilion went into the hands of PLL LOT, it underwent reconstruction, which - along with subsequent ones - took away its character and lightness. Sheet metal, glass and a tacky copper color appeared on the facade.
Igor Strzok: It's likely that the creators of the remodeling wanted to better harmonize the building with the Fore Gate Complex. This is because previously it was heavily contrasted.
Ewa Karendys: In 2017, the owner of the site chose a new development in a competition, but you stopped the project, while forbidding the demolition of the current LOT building.
Igor Strzok: The design chosen in the competition by KD Kozikowski Design is oversized, overwhelming the surrounding space. We also have LOT, which is in the register of monuments, and it is worth noting that in Poland we are beginning to protect modernist monuments. Our analysis shows that, paradoxically, the reconstruction of the Danziger Hof could prove to be the least risky for the skyline of the Main City, because it would relate to the historic conditions.
Ewa Karendys: Few of the professionally active architects and urban planners in Gdansk support the reconstruction of Danziger Hof.
Igor Strzok: Reconstruction is not out of the question.
Ewa Karendys: I think that the reconstruction of the building (which has not been in the city space for 75 years) using modern materials and construction requirements will be a dummy.
Igor Strzok: The restoration of historical architecture can be done both badly and well. Modern architecture suffers a similar fate. Architects restoring historic buildings do not have a monopoly on kitsch, it too is widespread among those who rely on contemporary styling.
Ewa Karendys: Great controversy has also been stirred up by the reconstruction of the building on Chmielna Street, near the historic granaries. It will house offices for the governor's officials. The snag is that the architecture is poor, yet the project has won your approval. Do you like it?
Igor Strzok: From the point of view of criticism of an architectural work, I don't like it. I don't think it's good architecture, but certain arrangements were made beforehand, conservation decisions were issued to allow construction.
Ewa Karendys: But the design, including the elevations, was changed during your tenure. The first version prepared by the architect caused a wave of criticism, and the second version was supposed to be better. Frankly speaking, the improvement is not visible.
Igor Strzok: I'm a critic of both versions, but the second one was consistent with the decisions the designer had received earlier. The authority had to be consistent.
Ewa Karendys: But do you see the grumbling? On the one hand, you are very critical of many projects in Gdansk - and that's fine - but here you accepted a poor design for the provincial office, to which the conservator's office reports.
Igor Strzok: Believe me, if I could completely change this project, I would. I believe that the idea of expanding the facility in this way was wrong.
Ewa Karendys
Gazeta Wyborcza Trójmiasto journalist
