Private versus public safety in Warsaw

By Rob van der Bijl

The story of architect Kazimierz Olszaniecki in Rembertów, Warsaw, Poland

We all like to live in safe and comfortable homes. Within cities this isn't always easy to establish. Pubic houses, apartments and individual homes can be secured, this is true, but to some extend their level of security can violate a secure and pleasant environment. In other words, safe housing and safe cities are interrelated. How to deal with this problem? How to guarantee both a safe housing and a safe urban environment? 'Safeplaces' discussed these questions on site with Kazimierz ('Kaz') Olszaniecki in Warsaw. Kaz is the architect of a housing project in Rembertów, a remote district in the far northeast of Warsaw.

Main street of Rembertów, Warsaw
Very old and very new buildings

The project (2002-2003) is situated along one of the main streets of Rembertów (Al. Gen. Antoniego Chrusciela 'Montera'). The south west facade really has modernised this part of the city. The L-shaped block contains a courtyard and comprises apartments on all levels except on ground level, because here the entire length of the block's front side is occupied with shops.

Rembertów, Warsaw - Old grocery store next to 'Bar Marcus'
Architect Kaz Olszaniecki was asking something.

The main street environment serves as a time machine. The future is represented by the new housing of Kaz, while the past is still present at the other side of the street. Here wooden houses resemble the 19th century. We bought some 'augurki' and apples in the little shop. A very old lady was helping us.
According to Kaz this historic side of the street won't remain for long. A pity actually, as the combination of old and new environment feels pleasant and safe, though the visitors of 'Bar Marcus' may cause some problems. But honestly we are not sure about that, the bar looks a bit shabby, but not very dangerous.

Rembertów, Warsaw
Gated entrances on both sites of the block

Kaz was surprised. Since his last visit the courtyard of his block has been gated. Both common entrances are closed by fence structures. Information is provided by a small plate: 'Atrium 21'. And yet another plate: "Teren Prywatny" ("Private Area"). Kaz doesn't like the new situation at all. The courtyard contains all kind of attributes for small children. Now it is probable impossible for children outside the block to use them. Kaz: "Actually the idea was to create a kind of public park within the block. This space should be accessible for everybody in the neighbourhood."

Main street of Rembertów, Warsaw
New building of Kaz Olszaniecki

Burglary prevention certainly has improved. However, the overall quality of the place is jeopardised. The new gates represents the nowadays trend in Warsaw to seal of housing and their environment and to split this city into rich private communities and poor public places. "This is no good", says Kaz.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This text is compiled by Rob van der Bijl during a visit to Warsaw, March 2006. The report on the Rembertów project is part of an ongoing investigation by RVDB to safety features of the built environment. The results are stored in 'PREDORE'
Special thanks to Kaz Olszaniecki and his 'METROPOLIS II, Biuro Architektoniczne'.
The alternative SAFE PLACES logo (see below) is designed by Kaz Olszaniecki.

All texts & photos: (C) Rob van der Bijl/VWNL/SAFEPLACES, 2006.

LINKS


METROPOLIS II
Biuro Architektoniczne

www.metropolis2.pl
www.atrium21.pl

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