Poznan House of Books of post-war modernism. It is not only an iconic example of architecture from the communist era, but above all a symbol of the pursuit of modernity. After years of neglect and numerous reconstructions, the building on Gwarna Street in Poznań was thoroughly revitalised and gained a new identity – combining cultural, residential and social spaces.
Built in 1975, Dom Książki was designed by Bogdan Bednarek and Zygmunt Łomski as one of the most modern bookshops in Poland. The building’s distinctive form – six bands of windows, a ceramic façade, glazing in the form of ribbons and a neon sign that has become its trademark – reflects the spirit of modernism inspired by the Bauhaus movement and Le Corbusier’s ideas. The project introduced simplicity of form, functionality of space and respect for material to Polish streets, becoming a manifesto of modernity in the reality of the Iron Curtain. Together with Okrąglak, which stood nearby, it formed a modern duo.
The House of Books in Poznan in a new version
The decision to revitalise the House of Books was not to strip the building of its history, but to creatively restore its original spirit. Launched in 2023, the investment, carried out by Constructa Plus in collaboration with the studio of architects Prof. Piotr Marciniak (Litoborski and Partners), was completed in May 2025. Key elements – such as the unique stone mosaic in the lobby, the so-called ‘wild boar’, or the coffers with the ‘book’ inscription in five languages – were carefully restored. Special attention was given to the original neon sign, which was faithfully reconstructed by its creator, Peter Heinze. The new part of the building, made on the courtyard side, harmoniously complements its classic form, while taking care to tidy up the roof and façade space by removing unnecessary installations.
Modernist interior
The interiors of the renovated Book House subtly refer to the original aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s, combining historical accents with modern solutions. The use of materials such as oak veneer, ornamental glass and steel balustrades pays homage to the era while avoiding mechanical styling. Linear light fittings and individually designed details harmonise with the retained modernist structure.
One of the innovations of the development was the creation of 40 fully furnished flats for long-term rental. Each was designed with comfort and individuality in mind, using bespoke furniture inspired by the aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s. The current offering features three colour schemes – beige, olive and red – that give the interiors a unique character. Large, panoramic windows, movable glass walls and wide window sills bring a sense of space and closeness to the surroundings into the flats, while a modern terrace with greenery on the roof provides a place for residents to relax and integrate. A highlight of the terrace is the view of 28 Grudnia Street.
Books and flavours
The revitalisation of the House of Books is also a return to the public functions that the building has served for many years. On the ground floor, a new version of the Bookowski bookshop is under construction, as well as the Strona (Page) café, where it will be possible to drop in for breakfast, lunch or to spend an evening with friends. The Bookowski Bookshop, offering around four thousand titles, is to become an arena for meetings with authors and literary events, closely linked to the cultural traditions of the city. On level -1, there will be an author’s restaurant run by Paweł Salamon.
Social space
On level -1, a public space has been created for cultural, educational and social events. The Book House Foundation, established by the investor, will manage this space, making it available to NGOs and social economy entities. Author meetings, workshops, presentations and literary events are planned.
The courtyard has been completely redesigned, with a green courtyard, a full-wall mural selected in a competition and a bicycle room for residents. A bakery will be set up in one of the service units.
The revitalisation of the House of Books is not only about restoring the splendour of the historic architecture, but above all a symbolic bridge between tradition and modernity. The transformed Book House is a story of respect for the past, an innovative approach to revitalisation and responsibility for the future – a place where history meets modernity, and culture and community co-create a new chapter in the life of the city.
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Don’t let the editor’s profile picture fool you. No one has hacked our website! The LEGO brand encouraged us to celebrate Children’s Day in a unique way. We changed the profile pictures of our editors, taking us back to the blissful time of childhood 😊. The cursor in the desktop version, which turned into a LEGO block for a few days, is also a variety. This version of the website will accompany us until 1 June. This year, on the occasion of Children’s Day, the LEGO brand prepared a special action with the Slowhop platform, as part of which it filled 21 houses across Poland with LEGO bricks sets and gave those willing to participate the opportunity to spend a weekend of creative play in them. We wrote more about this action HERE and HERE.
PS and if you are looking for an idea for a LEGO set for creative play then check out our suggestions HERE. These are good gift ideas, not just for Children’s Day!
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source: Constructa Plus
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