The City of Warsaw has announced an architectural competition for a concept to redevelop one of its most charming corners, Karowa Street. The project is to cover the section from Wybrzeze Kosciuszkowskie to Krakowskie Przedmieście and is part of the wider New Centre of Warsaw programme. The aim of the initiative is to create an attractive connection between the Royal Route and the Vistula River area. The city authorities plan to transform Karowa into a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly space, while emphasising the scenic qualities of the Warsaw Escarpment and removing architectural barriers for people with limited mobility.
Historical significance of the Markiewicza Viaduct
The most characteristic element of the street is the Stanislaw Markiewicz viaduct. The impressive structure was built between 1902 and 1905 and connected the two levels of Karowa Street, thus paving the way for the urban transformation of this area of the city. Despite the destruction of historical documentation during the Second World War, it is known that Karowa Street had previously been a steep, unpresentable road at the side of Krakowskie Przedmieście. The construction of the viaduct was intended to create a communicatively and visually coherent space, in line with the concept of a modern district with wide arteries and elegant buildings.
Architecture and renovations
The Markiewicz Viaduct is a true masterpiece. The structure is distinguished by a very impressive style, rich in sculptures by Jan Woydyga – including the figure of the Siren and allegorical figures symbolising various areas of urban life. The architectural form of the building was the responsibility of Stefan Szyller, who drew inspiration from the Renaissance and Baroque eras in his design. The construction by engineer Karol Sommer luckily survived the war effort without major damage. In 1965, it was entered in the register of historical monuments, and a major renovation was carried out in 2006-2007, during which, among other things, the cobblestones and original lanterns were restored.
Karowa Street anew – competition scope and design guidelines
The competition organised by the capital’s authorities focuses on the redevelopment of Karowa Street together with the Markiewicz viaduct. The main aim of the project is to create a comfortable and attractive connection for pedestrians and cyclists between the upper terrace of the Warsaw Escarpment and Powiśle. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the accessibility of the street, especially for people with reduced mobility. Participants in the competition are asked to submit concepts that include a lift or other solutions to overcome the difference in level comfortably. The plans also include the design of a promenade with terrain stairs, which will have a communicative and recreational function.
Detailed information on the competition can be found at: https://architektura.um.warszawa.pl/konkursNowaKarowa.
Source: varsavianista.pl, um.warszawa.pl
Read also: City | Architecture in Poland | Metamorphosis | Monument | Warsaw
The Stanislaw Markiewicz Viaduct in 1934 and today. Source: Digital National Library Polon and Szczebrzeszynski, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
