Warsaw will soon get a new residential development – Fort 8 Rawelin. The project, carried out by the S.A.M.I. Architekci studio, aims to combine modern architecture with the historical character of the place. The estate is being built in the vicinity of the 19th-century Fort VIII Służew, and its form refers to the old military buildings. Despite the investor’s promise that the apartment building will blend in harmoniously with its surroundings, questions are being raised about the accessibility of this space to the wider community and its real impact on the revitalisation of the historic area.
Fort 8 Rawelin – locationand design considerations
The development will be located at the junction of Mokotów and Ursynów, in the immediate vicinity of Fort VIII and the green areas. The architects designed the building, taking inspiration from the ravelin – a triangular fortification that was once located in this place. Thanks to surviving documents, the historical dimensions of the building have been recreated, and its concrete façade and vegetated roof are intended to refer to the former fortifications. The design includes large glazing on the south side to optimise access to natural light. In contrast, the northern façade, designed as a compact concrete wall, is intended to refer to the military character of the site.
Exclusive flats or space for residents?
Fort 8 Rawelin is to consist of 15 flats, each of at least 150 sqm. Common spaces are to be complemented by contemporary artworks. Estimated prices range from £25,000 to £45,000 per sq m, making the development accessible only to the wealthiest clients. There are already suggestions that its elitism may affect the limited accessibility of the historic space for the rest of the city’s residents. Supporters of the concept emphasise that the investment is part of the long-term revitalisation of the area, integrating modern architectural solutions with the historic fabric of the city. Critics, on the other hand, point out that historical buildings of this type should have a social function instead of becoming part of closed housing estates.
Revitalisation of Fort VIII – historical context
Fort VIII, part of the former defence system of the Warsaw Fortress, was built in 1890. It underwent numerous transformations in the 20th century – from disarmament in 1909, through the German occupation during World War II, to its long-term use by the Polish Army. In 2005, the building came into the hands of a private investor who undertook its revitalisation. The renovation work, which lasted from 2015 to 2019, allowed the historic barracks to be adapted to new functions. Fort 8 now serves as a meeting centre, housing restaurants, cafés, studios and shops. The city authorities and investors present the project as a model example of heritage conservation.
Dispute over the use of space
Parallel to the residential development, Eighth Park, a recreational space that refers to the military history of the site, was created in the area. It features walking paths, an outdoor gym, gazebos and community gardens. It has been managed by the Laetitia Foundation since 2023, and the park is to be handed over to the Ursynów District in the future. In the context of the construction of Fort 8 Rawelin, there is a potential restriction of access to the historic area and a threat to its integrity.
Fort 8 Rawelin – modernityin the shadow of history
Fort 8 Rawelin is an ambitious architectural concept, combining contemporary solutions with Warsaw’s military heritage. The project arouses interest with its aesthetics and attention to detail reminiscent of historic buildings, but its highly exclusive nature raises important questions about the future of public spaces and the role of monuments in shaping urban identity.
Source: rawelin.pl, nowawarszawa.pl
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