The Market Hall in Gdynia, the so-called Łukowa Hall, is a unique example of Constructivism in Polish architecture and one of the most interesting buildings of the city’s modern architecture from the interwar period. The building is part of Gdynia’s characteristic modernism, which drew inspiration from functionalism and shipbuilding style to create a coherent vision of a dynamically developing port urban centre. Despite the passage of years, its purpose has remained unchanged – to this day it serves as a commercial building and is a testament to Gdynia’s former power.
Gdynia Market Hall – history of its creation
The hall complex was built between 1935 and 1938 to a design by renowned architects Jerzy Müller and Stefan Reychman. Renowned companies were responsible for the construction: Zjednoczenie Huty – Królewska and Laura, Zarząd Warsztatów Górnośląskich and Towarzystwo Akcyjne Katowice. The complex consisted of three buildings: the largest fruit and vegetable hall connected to the L-shaped meat hall and a separate fish hall. It was built between today’s Wójta Radtkego, Jana z Kolna and 3 Maja streets.
Structure of the Gdynia hall and architectural inspirations
The largest of the halls, the so-called Arch Hall, is distinguished by its characteristic parabolic-shaped roof, based on steel arches with ceramic infill, according to the Förster system. In addition, the impressive structure consists of nine large trusses with a span of 35 metres and spacing of 10 metres. The facades of the building are made of brick and plaster, and the glazed surfaces are supported by reinforced concrete pillars. The meat hall has a nearly flat, pitched roof supported by double-articulated trusses, while the fish hall rests on a steel structure with reinforced concrete supports. According to researcher Maria Sołtysik, the hall’s canopy may have been inspired by the hangar of Paris’s Orly airport designed by Le Corbusier in 1916. The entire complex is harmonised by a uniform plinth of clinker cladding and original flooring, door and window woodwork.
Completed building, late 1930s Source: NAC – National Digital Archive www.nac.gov.pl/
Market Hall in Gdynia – transformations during the war and post-war period
The outbreak of the Second World War dramatically changed the function of the hall – after only a year and a half of operation it was taken over by the occupying German authorities and used as a warehouse for aircraft parts. When the war ended, the damaged building was in need of repair. It was occupied by Soviet troops for a short time and then trading activities resumed, initially focusing on the sale of fruit and vegetables. Over time, the range expanded to include other products, including clothing imported by sailors and fishermen. In recent years, the complex has been modernised and the surrounding areas landscaped, including the renovation of the Arch Hall roof in 2012, ensuring its longevity and safety of use, and a few years later the facades of the entire complex were renovated. The city has further upgrades planned.
The importance of the halls for Gdynia
The Market Hall is not only a functional commercial building, but also an important element of Gdynia’s architectural heritage. Its modernist construction, references to world architecture and survival of numerous historical turbulences make it one of the city’s most characteristic buildings. Due to its unique architectural qualities, the hall complex was entered in the register of monuments in 1983. Thanks to renovations and care taken to preserve the original premises, the Market Hall in Gdynia still performs its original function, bearing witness to the former power and modernity of the main Polish sea port. In addition to trade, the facility also hosts artistic and cultural events and operates a museum.
Source: zabytek.pl, gdynia.pl
Read also: Architecture in Poland | City | Modernism | History | Gdynia
