Ola: The 3rd stage of the Brabank residential and commercial complex you mentioned in Gdansk has been launched. What distinguishes this investment?
Michal Ciomek: First of all, its location, one of the most interesting in the Tri-City, between the Old Town, the World War II Museum and the Motlawa River. We have integrated the investment into the riverfront and post-industrial architecture, combining modernist style with modern function. As in any premium development of this type, the obvious is a private fitness area with a gym and a dry and steam sauna, but we go further. The Brabank has a private terrace with impressive vegetation from which to enjoy the Old Town skyline and the river.
Brabank is also distinguished by the idea of greenery. In addition to a row of small-leaved linden trees and low greenery shielding the facades, inside the complex we planned a green enclave of relaxation, looking like a botanical garden in the shape of a ravine running along the buildings. The symbiosis with nature is also emphasized by small resting squares planted with vegetation so as to guarantee openness to the panorama surrounding Brabank. Interestingly, the greenery here does not lose its qualities after dark, in fact it acquires new ones thanks to ingeniously designed lighting.
The apartments have above-standard heights, enlarged windows and vitrine glazing at balconies and terraces in the living area. Penthouses have been created on the top floors, and apartments with living rooms two stories high and full glazing have also been designed. Apartments located on the last, set-back floor have enlarged terraces. We took care of such details as the color scheme of the interiors, where elegant bronze and noble brass dominate, combining with white Italian marble.
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Brabank residential and commercial complex in Gdansk, proj.: Studio Architektoniczne Kwadrat
photo: Tom Kurek © Invest Komfort
Ola: The authors of the Brabank project are architects from Studio Architektoniczne Kwadrat, whose credits include the World War II Museum building. How did the cooperation go? How do you select architects for individual investments?
Michal Ciomek: We selected the authors of the project in an international competition, in which many architects and studios from all over the world took part. Jacek Droszcz and Bazyli Domsta of the Kwadrat architectural studio are an exceptional duo of architects who have a hand in iconic buildings, such as the designs for the World War II Museum, the Maritime Museum in Gdansk and Young City in Gdansk. In our view, Brabank is also becoming such a building. The competition work by Jacek Droszcz and Basil Domsta also became the basis for a local development plan and gave the city the impetus for an excellent transformation of this post-industrial and neglected space. The cooperation with Kwadrat studio went very well, because we think about architecture and space development similarly. We allow ourselves to think creatively, out of the box, but also very technically.
In working with architects, the most important thing for us is their vision, which must be consistent with our philosophy. We always think about what we can give to those who will live in our developments, so that they will feel good in a given place. We create tailor-made architecture, and this requires an individual approach. I make no secret of the fact that this is not easy for the architects and designers we work with.
Ola: Brabank is being built in a unique location at the confluence of the Motława River and the Radunia Canal. Does architecture by design open up to the river?
Michal Ciomek: The development and revitalization of riverside areas is present in various parts of the world. While living in London, I observed the revitalized and changing Docklands. The docks in the area were formerly part of London's harbor, and are now becoming a residential and commercial area. The same is true of the area along the Motlawa River. Brabank has begun the city's new trek toward the water. In our opinion, this is where the city is heading and where its attractions will be concentrated. The surroundings of the following buildings include a hiking trail along the Motlawa River, and there is no shortage of rest areas, lawns, walking alleys, service establishments for cafes and restaurants, artists' studios and small galleries.
The main axis of the spatial composition is a walkway routed along the former course of Walowa Street. The Brabank is reflected in the Motlawa River as in a mirror, just like the houses along the canals in Amsterdam or Hafen City in Hamburg.
{The Brabank residential and commercial complex in Gdansk, proj.: Studio Architektoniczne Kwadrat,title=the Brabank residential and commercial complex in Gdansk, proj.: Studio Architektoniczne Kwadrat}
Brabank residential and commercial complex in Gdansk, proj.: Studio Architektoniczne Kwadrat
photo: Tom Kurek © Invest Komfort
Ola: What was the most difficult part of this project, and what are you most satisfied with?
Michal Ciomek: The biggest challenge was to maintain the competition vision in the implementation of the project, that is, to confront the architects' visions with the developers' tasks. Preserving the history of the place, but also giving it a new character. A not easy task was the selection of appropriate materials. To this end, we created the largest four-story mock-up in Invest Komfort's history , which served to test materials through all seasons. Perfectionism? Timeless developments cannot be built without it. Our buildings must age well and look as good in a hundred years as they did immediately after construction. We care about quality at every stage of the investment. We are allergic to mediocrity.
Brabank is being built in a site of great importance to the city's history, which had been neglected for years. The challenge was to revitalize it and bring it back to the residents. I think we have succeeded in doing so.
Brabank in Gdansk, proj.: Studio Architektoniczne Kwadrat
photo left: photo: Tom Kurek © Invest Komfort; visualization right: © Invest Komfort
Ola: What kind of place on the map of Gdansk is Brabank to become?
Michal Ciomek: Brabank has set a new urban trend in Gdansk - developing the riverside area and giving it a new contemporary shape and function - a meeting place that has a chance to become one of the most important attractions of Gdansk in the coming years. Here we have also created open squares, space for cafes, restaurants, intimate stores. This is architecture with a deeply humanistic character, which invites people to feel good in it.
Just think: a hundred years from now, people strolling through the Old Town will pass magnificent Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque architecture... and that of the early 21st century, which will also be ancient in its own way for these people. This is a great responsibility. Buildings from hundreds of years ago testify to the people of that era. Our projects will testify about us.
Ola: Thank you for the interview.
