Różycki Market has for years remained one of the most problematic, yet at the same time most symbolic, places on the map of Praga-North. A space that for over a century was one of the most important centres of trade and social life on the right bank of Warsaw now functions as a run-down, ambiguous part of the city. In his master’s thesis, Damian Zabłocki proposes a vision that does not attempt to recreate past glories, but rather creates a new model for the functioning of this area – based on contemporary needs, respect for heritage and bold architecture.
The block bounded by Targowa, Ząbkowska and Brzeska streets is an area of exceptional potential. Its location in the immediate vicinity of the Dworzec Wileński metro station, numerous tram and bus routes, and two major railway junctions makes it one of the best-connected areas in Praga. At the same time, the area lies between two major hubs of contemporary activity: Galeria Wileńska and the revitalised Warsaw Vodka Factory. In this dynamic setting, Różycki Market remains an empty, neglected space, torn apart by years of ownership disputes. Damian Zabłocki sees this situation as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to create a new, multi-layered programme that will restore this place’s significance.
The history of the market is one of the project’s most important elements. From the late 19th century, when Julian Różycki established a market here, the site became one of Praga’s most important commercial hubs. During the occupation, it served as a base for the underground, and in the communist era it was a symbol of the informal economy and a space where urban myths were born. After 1989, the bazaar began to lose its significance, and subsequent attempts at modernisation failed to yield lasting results. The project’s designer emphasises that there is no point in trying to recreate the old model of operation. It is necessary to create a new structure that will combine commerce, culture, gastronomy, crafts and social functions into a coherent whole.
The architecture proposed by Zabłocki deliberately contrasts with the historic surroundings, whilst respecting their scale. The inspiration came from a shipping container – a symbol of trade and exchange, but also a module that allows for flexible shaping of space. The steel frame structure, based on a 6.2 × 6.2 metre grid, enables the creation of cantilevers, terraces and varied interior layouts. The spaces between the load-bearing elements are filled with a wooden framework, and the façades, finished with vertical boards, are complemented by modular green walls. This gives the development a contemporary character that does not compete with the historic townhouses, but engages in a dialogue with them.
The urban structure of the project is based on three entrances leading into the heart of the quarter. On the Targowa side, there is a food court that draws on the culinary traditions of the market but interprets them in a modern way. This section also houses the Local Activity Centre, a co-working space, a gym and the Różycki Market Museum. The entrance from Ząbkowska leads to the craft zone, where open-plan pottery, jewellery and tailoring workshops have been designed, visible from street level. This section is completed by a small hotel. On the Brzeska side, a contemporary office complex is being built with retail units on the ground floors (bakeries, florists and shops selling regional produce).
At the heart of the development lies a new market space, designed as a flexible venue open to various forms of activity. Covered and open trading stalls, along with wide walkways, allow for the organisation of garage sales, themed markets and community initiatives. At the intersection of the main thoroughfares stands a reconstructed blue siphon – a former symbol of the bazaar, which returns as a contemporary landmark. The preserved, original stalls have been integrated into the structure of the Bazaar Museum, transformed into multimedia exhibition stands, thanks to which the authentic elements of the site become an integral part of the new space.
Logistics is a key element of the design. To free the ground floor from technical functions, Zabłocki designed an extensive underground level housing delivery zones, storage facilities, kitchen infrastructure and a car park. In terms of sustainability, the design includes a negative-pressure roof drainage system, an underground retention tank and the use of rainwater for irrigating green roofs and walls. As a result, the project effectively reduces the urban heat island effect.
Damian Zabłocki’s concept is a proposal that combines the memory of the former ‘Różyc’ with the needs of contemporary Praga. It does not attempt to reconstruct the past, but draws out values from it that can become the foundation of a new, multifunctional space. It is a vision of a market that is neither an open-air museum nor a commercial gallery, but a vibrant, open urban quarter – a place that can once again play an important role in the fabric of Warsaw.
PS Check out another project by Damian Zabłocki, which we described here:
project: Damian Zabłocki
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