Poznan Art Nouveau is a phenomenon full of subtle charm. It arose at the crossroads of styles and ambitions in a city that was undergoing very intensive development at the turn of the 20th century. Although often hidden among later superstructures and modernisations, it still manages to impress today with its ornamentation, balanced ornamentation and delicate floral and geometric motifs. One of the most interesting examples of this style is the tenement house at 34 Słowackiego Street – the work of architect Paul Pitt, erected in 1906 for banker Johann Kosicki.
Art Nouveau in Poznań – as opposed to industrial boredom
Art Nouveau did not come out of nowhere. It was an expression of revolt against the rigid, mass-produced buildings of the late 19th century. Instead of mass-produced ornaments and predictable forms, people started to create buildings with soul: with asymmetrical facades, floral ornaments, flowing lines and details reminiscent of illustrations from fairy tales. The Poznan variety of Art Nouveau drew inspiration from Berlin, but had its own character. Thanks to changes in regulations and the demolition of fortifications around the city centre, as well as the incorporation of new areas into the city, architects gained the freedom to create and were able to spread their wings. It was at this time that many remarkable townhouses were built, which still catch the eye of passers-by today. The Kosicki Tenement House is an excellent example of this.
The tenement house at 34 Słowackiego Street as if from a painting
The building was designed by Paul Pitt, an architect who made his presence felt in the then developing city of Poznan. It was he who, as one of the first in the city, began to sign his realisations, leaving a lasting mark not only on the landscape, but also on the history of local architecture. Although the building appears tidy at first glance, it is not lacking in surprises. The front itself is an eye-catcher. Symmetrical, yet full of details that break the monotony. The bay windows and loggias and balconies of various shapes are noteworthy. At the bottom of the oriels, one can see eagles with outspread wings, and above them intricate ribbons, garlands and mysterious masks that look as if they tell the stories of the former inhabitants. Also of particular note is the masquerade, a carved face hidden at the top above the roof, which watches over the facade like the spirit of the house.
Interesting interiors
The interior of the townhouse also has no shortage of treats. One of the most interesting is the wooden staircase with decorative balustrades and a carved pillar. Its head is decorated with human masks, in a typical Art Nouveau manner combining the real and the symbolic world. Such details gave the townhouse a unique character and emphasised the aspirations of the owner – a wealthy bank manager who wanted to live with class. All the charm of more than a century ago is complemented by preserved doors and windows with unusual divisions and an ornamental floor in the high lobby. All this creates the atmosphere of a bygone era, where details were as important as functionality.
Intimate courtyard
An ornate wooden door leads from the interior of the lobby into the courtyard of the townhouse. The courtyard has a roughly rectangular shape, and the asymmetrical layout of the outbuildings (formerly inhabited by servants and tenants) and the opening towards the west give the place an intimate character. There is no shortage of cosy corners and greenery where one can take a moment’s respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. The outbuildings surrounding the courtyard vary in height, creating an interesting rhythm. Their facades are more modest than the front of the building, but have retained semicircular balconies and subtle decorations around the windows.
34 Słowackiego Street – a monument with character
Today, the Kosicki tenement house at 34 Słowackiego Street remains a valuable example of Poznań Art Nouveau and a living testimony to the urban transformations of the early 20th century. Although times have changed and the original layout of the flats has been transformed, the spirit of the era is still in the air. You can feel it in the carved pillars of the balustrades, the fine stuccowork and the mosaic floors of the passage. The tenement house at 34 Słowackiego Street stands among other Art Nouveau gems of Jeżyce, creating with them a unique landscape of the district, where history is intertwined with the everyday life of the inhabitants.
Source: zabytek.pl
See also: Architecture | Facade | Tenement | Art Nouveau | Poznan | whiteMAD on Instagram
