For many years, the site of the former FSO test track remained inaccessible to local residents and turned away from the Vistula. Today, the Praga Boulevards – one of the largest housing developments currently under construction in Warsaw – are taking shape on the post-industrial land in Żerań. The architectural firm BBGK Architekci is responsible for the urban design vision, having made the most of the site’s unique location between Jagiellońska Street and the green spaces along the Vistula.
From a factory to an urban district
For many years, the history of this place was linked to the Passenger Car Factory. It was here, on the outskirts of the plant that produced the famous ‘Warszawa’, ‘Syrena’, ‘Polskie Fiat’ and ‘Polonez’ models, that a test track for new vehicles was operated. The wide thoroughfare, known today as Jagiellońska Street, was built to serve this industrial giant and cope with heavy lorry traffic. When the last car rolled off the production line in February 2011, an opportunity arose for a completely new development of this part of Praga. Suddenly, it turned out that behind the former factory buildings lay one of the most valuable sites on the Vistula.
The Praga Boulevards in Warsaw
The plot, currently owned by the Polish Mint, stands out from many other locations in Warsaw. Here, there is no wide expressway running between the buildings and the Vistula, which in many sections effectively cuts residents off from the riverbank. To the west, the site borders the Vistula floodplain forests and the Golędzinów Nature Park, which is set to cover an area of around 65 hectares. This area lies within the ‘Middle Vistula Valley’ Natura 2000 site and the Warsaw Protected Landscape Area. The proximity to unspoilt nature, favourable exposure to sunlight and the panoramic view of the city centre are among the greatest assets of this part of the city.
People-friendly spaces
The urban layout of Bulwary Praskie is based on classical principles of city planning. On the Jagiellońska side, a distinct frontage is being developed with retail premises on the ground floors, whilst closer to the river there are lower-rise residential buildings. A linear park approximately one kilometre long runs through the centre of the development. This green walking route passes through successive blocks and creates a space for everyday relaxation. At its ends, there will be squares designated for local markets and neighbourhood events. The housing estate’s buildings have been arranged so that as many flats as possible benefit from views of the Vistula and the riverside green spaces.
The Praga Boulevards and their surroundings
The designers have opted here for a timeless aesthetic based on a calm colour scheme, stone and carefully designed details. Each building has been given its own set of decorative elements – from balustrades to entrance frames and façade accents. The design reveals subtle inspirations drawn from the architecture of southern Europe. From the outset, Mennica Polska has played an active role in shaping the quality of the development, paying close attention to proportions, materials and the durability of the construction. As a result, the individual parts of the estate retain their own distinct character whilst forming a harmonious whole.
The recently completed phase of the development comprises 10 buildings, 764 flats and a 55-metre-high tower. Work is currently underway on a further 13 buildings housing 790 flats. In future, Bulwary Praskie is set to comprise over 50 buildings and around 4,000 flats. The scale of the project means that a new part of Warsaw is emerging here, capable of significantly transforming the character of Praga. Post-industrial areas are giving way to developments open to the Vistula, and the missing section of the city’s riverside is gradually being returned to the public.
design: BBGK Architekci
developer: Bulwary Praskie – Mennica Polska S.A.
photographs: Nate Cook
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