The second stage of the Gdynia Waterfront investment carried out by Vastint Polska has been completed. It is a modern complex being a combination of office and residential space. The buildings were designed by JEMS architects, who created public squares between them for all residents. An important element of the complex is the historic cross, which has been renovated.
Gdynia Waterfront is being developed between Hryniewickiego, Waszyngtona and Skwer Kościuszki streets. It is a multifunctional concept with residential buildings and office buildings, as well as space for trade, services and culture.
Back in the early years of Gdynia, there was a beach and seashore at this location. Waszyngtona Street was marked by monumental edifices such as the National Meteorological Institute and the Polish Shipping building (both with art deco elements) and the less monumental Port Construction Office building.
The essence of the new complex is its multifunctionality, the large number of public spaces and the general accessibility of almost the entire area. However, the various functions are grouped together in different parts of the complex. Between all buildings there are passageways in the form of squares and green alleys with carefully designed vegetation. These passageways enable a smooth transition through the entire complex. There are no dead-end streets or enclosed courtyards of wells.
The design of Gdynia Waterfront II by JEMS architekci was also selected in an architectural competition held in 2015. The competition was organised by the investor, inviting six renowned studios, in addition to JEMS, Fort, JSK, Kuryowicz & Associates, APA Wojciechowski and Warsztat Architektury.
When designing the facades of the buildings, the architects created dozens of studio drawings. Their aim was to capture the street’s common rhythm of elevations and arcades. Here, the starting point for the analyses was the pre-war Polish Shipping building from 1927, designed by Adam Ballenstedt. The aim was not to imitate, but to create a harmonious street interior, further emphasising the qualities of the pre-war building. Its most interesting ‘moments’ were highlighted by creating viewing axes from the Gdynia Waterfront area.
On the side of Waszyngtona Street, two elegant buildings with office functions were constructed, with ground floors intended for commercial premises and an underground garage hall.
Each building has its own individually designed lobby with a reception desk and lift lobby. The premises have been finished using architectural concrete, a large amount of wood cladding to give the interiors warmth, enhanced by upholstered furniture and carpets. When entering the lobby of a particular office building, there is no mistaking it for the reception area of another building.
An important element of Waterfront II is the Kashubian Cross. It was erected in 1921 at the base of the temporary pier, when the first piles were driven under it. When the port of Gdynia was ceremonially opened in 1923, the cross, together with the port, was consecrated by the then Primate of Poland in the presence of President Stanisław Wojciechowski. In 1932, the cross was moved to its present location on former Nabrzezna Street and placed on the beach opposite the Harbourmaster’s Office building. Today, the beach is long gone from this spot. However, the cross, destroyed during the occupation by the Germans and reconstructed after the war, stands in the same place. It is now located in the middle of one of the squares. Surrounded by sand, it is meant to remind people of the site’s past and its original location on the beach. The developer has provided a place to lay flowers and light a candle.
In addition to the office buildings, the second phase of the project also included two residential buildings, located at the height of the Sea Towers complex. They are not an isolated island among the office buildings, as the Yacht Park residential complex has already been built nearby on Molo Rybackie, between the President’s Basin and the Wendy swimming pool. Green courtyards have been designed next to the buildings, providing a semi-private space fenced off from the public area of the complex. The apartment buildings are slightly elevated in relation to the level of Washington Street.
On the side of the office buildings, the facades have terraces-loggias with distinctive vertical pipes referring to yacht masts. The outer walls of the terraces and the partitions dividing them have been insulated with panels made of materials imitating wood. The last storeys of the buildings are withdrawn and surrounded by terraces on two sides. On the ground floor, on the side of Sea Towers and the PKO BP Bank office building, commercial premises have been provided for.
design: JEMS Architects
source: VASTINT
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