The skyline of Warsaw’s Praga district could undergo a significant transformation in the coming years. Planning regulations being drawn up by the city for the Port Praski area pave the way for the construction of skyscrapers near the Stadion Narodowy metro station. This could mark the moment when the district ceases to be a suburb of Śródmieście and begins to play a much greater role. The APA Wojciechowski studio has prepared a concept showing skyscrapers in Praga in a possible location.
Skyscrapers in Praga? There is a chance
For years, Warsaw has developed in a multi-polar manner, with the main business functions concentrated on the left bank of the Vistula. Now, the city’s axis of development is shifting ever more clearly towards Praga. This is driven by new transport infrastructure projects and changes to public spaces. The pedestrian and cycle bridge across the Vistula, the redevelopment of Okrzei Street, and preparations for the modernisation of the Eastern Railway Station and the Warszawa Stadion station are making the right-bank part of the city much more accessible. The area around the junction of Sokola and Zamoyskiego streets is clearly a key point on the district’s map. It is here that the metro, railways and major roads intersect. The Port Praski area is therefore naturally beginning to attract consideration for more intensive development. According to the provisions currently under review, new buildings could reach heights of between 90 and 140 metres.
An idea older than the Palace of Culture and Science
The debate over skyscrapers in Praga has been going on for much longer than one might think. As early as after the Second World War, urban planners identified Praga Port as a potential site for future skyscrapers. Interestingly, before the decision was made to build the Palace of Culture and Science on Marszałkowska Street, its location on the right bank of the Vistula was also considered. This idea was revisited many times later. Subsequently, further concepts were developed by, amongst others, Ricardo Bofill’s studio, JEMS Architekci and, most recently, APA Wojciechowski Architekci. Their vision was developed in line with the provisions of Warsaw’s draft master plan, which permits high-rise development in the Port Praski area. Architects have for years pointed out that the area around the National Stadium could become a natural extension of the city centre business district. It is of the utmost importance to maintain appropriate proportions in relation to the historic skyline of Warsaw and the buildings of Old Praga.
Offices on the right bank of the Vistula
Until now, modern offices have been concentrated primarily in Wola, Śródmieście and Mokotów. The right bank of Warsaw has lagged far behind in this respect. Today, the share of offices on this side of the city is small, amounting to just around 4.5% of the capital’s total stock. New developments would offer an opportunity to gradually change this extremely uneven distribution. Port Praski could be the antidote here. Its neighbourhood offers a combination of assets rarely found in Warsaw: fast public transport, proximity to green spaces and direct access to the water. Such a location may prove attractive to companies seeking a more diverse working environment than the typical concrete office complexes.
Skyscrapers in Praga and Port Praski
The changes are already visible today. In recent years, 10 residential buildings and nearly 900 flats have been built in Port Praski. The ground floors house restaurants, shops, cafés, service outlets and medical facilities. The neighbourhood is gradually taking on an urban rhythm, attracting new residents and visitors. An important stage in the area’s further development is set to be the Doki estate, being developed on the site of the former harbour basins. The project features a promenade, a marina and buildings open to the water. In this part of Praga, the concept of a high-density city is becoming increasingly evident, yet one that is simultaneously focused on the quality of public spaces. Work is also underway on the AC Hotel by Marriott, which is being built in the restored 19th-century tenement house of Karol Minter. Everything therefore suggests that the right bank of the Vistula is entering a new phase in its history.
Source:APA Wojciechowski Architekci
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