Projects by the FOROOM, Drucianka and Nowy Kamionek studios have been included in the exhibition “Plans for the Future”, well known to the capital’s residents, on display at ZODIAK, the Warsaw Architecture Pavilion. Both demonstrate that contemporary residential architecture skilfully combines the history of a place with the needs of a modern city. The most interesting trends in Warsaw’s architectural development can be viewed until 2 August 2026.
Drucianka in Praga-North
There is no shortage of developments springing up on brownfield sites in Warsaw. Few of them, however, engage with the history of the site in such a direct way as Drucianka, a project by the FOROOM studio on the site of the former Wire, Pins and Nails Factory in Praga-North. The historic plant, whose origins date back to the late 19th century, was for decades one of the symbols of this part of the city’s development. Buildings that serve as a reminder of the days when Praga was one of the capital’s most important manufacturing centres have survived to this day. The building design developed by the FOROOM studio is an attempt to integrate new residential development into the existing structure of the historic site. Rather than dominating the preserved industrial fabric, the new architecture uses it as a point of reference.
The project involves the construction of multi-family residential buildings with retail facilities on the ground floors. A key element of the concept was to preserve the clarity of the historic urban layout of the former factory. The building lines, proportions of the structures and the design of the façades were therefore tailored to harmonise with the existing historic buildings. The architects deliberately chose not to replicate the historical forms verbatim. Instead, they used materials and proportions associated with the site’s industrial heritage. Light-coloured brick pays homage to the former factory buildings, whilst the metal elements of the façade serve as a reminder of the plant’s operations, which for decades were linked to metalworking. The way the space between the buildings is organised also plays a significant role.
The design includes a public passageway running through the site of the former factory, as well as internal communal spaces intended to bring together residents and users of the services located on the ground floors. As a result, the development will not create a closed residential enclave, but will become a fully-fledged part of the urban fabric. The design also places great emphasis on environmental solutions. Greenery has been planned both at ground level and on the garage ceilings and building roofs. This solution improves rainwater retention and reduces the heating of the buildings. Rather than treating the historic buildings as mere ‘decoration’ for the new development, the design uses their presence to build the identity of the entire complex.
Nowy Kamionek in Praga-Południe
Among the FOROOM projects presented at the “Plans for the Future” exhibition was the Nowy Kamionek project. The development, being built in the heart of Praga Południe, combines Kamionek’s industrial heritage with modern architecture and an intimate scale of development. The project comprises 114 functional apartments (29–147 m²) with panoramic windows, as well as balconies, terraces and gardens. The brick façade, featuring elements of glass and steel, pays homage to the district’s historic buildings. Designed as an ‘urban campus’, the development combines residential units with communal spaces and proximity to educational institutions and amenities, including the SWPS University. The ground floor is occupied by retail units, whilst communal areas, including a green roof terrace, encourage residents to socialise.
The development features energy-efficient LED lighting and solutions to reduce energy consumption in communal areas. A rainwater harvesting system is planned for watering the greenery, along with green roof areas supporting biodiversity, cycling infrastructure and electric vehicle charging points. The patio, roof terrace and ground-floor retail units enliven the street space and reinforce its urban character, creating a natural hubfor residents’activities . The building is accessible to people with disabilities, giving the community an open and inclusive dimension.
The inclusion of the Drucianka and Nowy Kamionek projects in the ‘Plans for the Future’ exhibition demonstrates that residential architecture in Warsaw is increasingly moving beyond the traditional function of creating new addresses. It is becoming a tool for organising urban space and restoring the memory of places. The projects by the FOROOM studio fit into this trend, combining respect for local heritage with solutions that support sustainable development and the building of neighbourhood communities. Today, projects of this kind are setting the direction in which Warsaw is developing – a city that consciously draws on its history whilst consistently looking to the future.
The Nowy Kamionek design team: M. Pędzich, B. Grotte, R. Jedliński, K. Waligóra, K. Konopka, K. Harunowicz, A . Dziubela, M. Grychtol, E. Gurczyńska
Drucianka design team: B. Grotte, R. Jedliński, M. Pędzich, K. Waligóra, M. Makuszewski, M. Mucha, P. Ruta, T. Szenajch.
Further information: www.foroom.com.pl
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