Katowice, Poland

This multifamily housing project is distinguished for its unique balconies, which contribute to the cost-effective design. On one side, the terraces are narrow and veer outward; however, upon reaching the other, they become wider, as if at the intersection of two invisible planes. These extraordinary forms create a distinct profile, all the more impressive given the project’s extremely limited budget. The grey color of the apartment references the soot that over time covered Katowice’s modernist architecture and transformed their appearances. . Katowice was an important center of modernism after the rebirth of the Polish state following World War I. The standout structure from the period is the Drapacz Chmur (literally “skyscraper”), a spectacular example of functionalism designed by architect Tadeusz Kozłowski and engineer Stefan Bryła from 1929-34. The corner lot and distinctive balconies vaguely recall the forms of Drapacz Chmur, bringing to mind the city’s significant historical and contemporary role in European architecture. #residentialarchitecture #multifamilyhousing #multiunithousing #themepark#zoo#lakes