Eka and Małka Square in Poznań’s Łazarz district is set to become larger, greener and more user-friendly for local residents. The authorities are seeking a contractor for the redevelopment, which will see sections of the road give way to greenery and new pavements.
Eka z Małeki Square – more space
The small square at the junction of Małeckiego, Graniczna and Łukaszewicza streets is set for a major transformation. Once sections of the road are closed to traffic, the square’s area will almost double. Traffic will be removed from the northern section between Małeckiego and Graniczna streets, as well as from the section of Łukaszewicza Street between these same streets. As a result, a space will be created featuring convenient walkways, benches and room for an outdoor dining area. Parking spaces will be designated along Małeckiego and Graniczna Streets. The Poznań-based studio Front_Architects is responsible for the concept and design.
A place to relax amongst lime trees, plane trees and flowers
Following the redevelopment, the biologically active area will exceed 500 square metres. The square will feature over a dozen trees, including lime and plane trees. The lower level of greenery will be filled with hydrangeas, roses, ornamental grasses and perennials, including catmint, bergenia and perovskia. Flowering plants will bring seasonal colours, whilst the spreading tree canopies will provide more shade over time. New lighting, in turn, will make it easier to use this space after dark. The changes will also extend to the western pavement of Łukaszewicza Street, all the way to Calliera. The pavement surface will be replaced, and part of the wide cobbled strip will be replaced by planting.
An important place for the residents of Łazarz
The current project was preceded by several years of discussions and smaller-scale initiatives. In 2015, thanks to people involved in the ‘Łazarz – Open Culture Zone’ initiative, the neglected area was cleared, partially paved and planted with greenery. The first Neighbourhood New Year’s Eve celebration also took place then. The next step was Park(ing) Day on 21 September 2019. On that occasion, cars made way for workshops, games and an exhibition for the duration of the event. Consultations continued into 2020, and in April 2022, the City Transport Authority (ZDM) announced a contract for the preparation of the project. The project is now getting closer to implementation. On 15 September 2026, Poznań Municipal Investments announced a tender. Bids may be submitted until 1 October, and the selected company will have 245 days from the signing of the contract to complete the works.
Eka z Małeki Square – a name straight from the streets of Poznań
Behind this unusual name, ‘Eka z Małeki’, lies a local group of friends. In Poznań slang, ‘eka’ means a group of people from the same street or neighbourhood. The word derives from the German ‘Ecke’, meaning ‘corner’ – it was precisely on street corners that these young people often met. ‘Małeka’, in turn, is a colloquial term for Małeckiego Street. The Łazarska eka became famous in the 1950s, and its members were associated with the ‘bikiniars’. Wide jackets, tight trousers, colourful ties and carefully styled hair made them stand out in post-war Poznań at the time. Some of them took part in the fighting during the June ’56 uprising. The square itself was officially named in 2018, preserving the memory of the local community and its distinctive slang.
The site will retain its ‘big tie’
A memento of the rebellious youth is ‘Krawatto’, an installation by Łukasz Trusewicz erected in 2019. The oversized tie references ‘bikini’ fashion – hand-painted decorations featuring palm trees or images of pin-up girls, worn as a manifesto of independence. The sculpture’s name derives from the slang of the time, and the piece itself commemorates the participants of June ’56. A meeting with eyewitnesses to the events took place during its unveiling. Following the modernisation of the square, ‘Krawatto’ will remain in its current location, as will the historic noticeboard. Both structures will complement the new greenery and serve as a backdrop to the daily gatherings of Łazarz residents.
Source: zdm.poznan.pl
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