This time we will take a closer look at Bydgoszcz, located on the border of the historical regions of Pomerania, Kuyavia, and Greater Poland. The city has been significant since the Middle Ages (including the castle of Kazimierz Wielki), and it remained important after the First Partition when it was incorporated into the Kingdom of Prussia. It continued to play a significant role in the reconstituted Republic of Poland and also during the Third Reich. Its industrial sector, including the armaments industry, was important during the communist era. After the political and economic system change, which brought numerous challenges, the city regained its rightful place and currently, with a population of over 350,000, it ranks eighth in the country.
The location of Bydgoszcz on the Brda River allows it to be connected through the Bydgoszcz Canal, linking the east (Vistula River basin) with the west (Oder River basin). The river has influenced the direction of development towards its banks, but this opportunity has not been fully utilized.
Bydgoszcz offers diverse sightseeing opportunities, including a picturesque old town, monumental buildings and infrastructure from the Gründerzeit era, and Polish interwar modernism. For those interested in socmodernism, there are many examples from the communist era, and enthusiasts of contemporary architecture should also be satisfied. Among them is the iconic building of BRE Bank (currently under a different name, but let’s skip that as the names change frequently).
The city will be presented through a critical eye, meaning the author deliberately did not conduct the usual research in literature. They chose to explore the city without prior preparation. We hope that this impressionistic observation can provide an interesting alternative way of getting to know Bydgoszcz.
ATTENTION!!! The lecture will take place on December 15th (Thursday) at 5:00 PM at the Institute of Architectural Documentation of the Silesian Library (12 Francuska Street) on the ground floor.
dr inż. arch. Jacek Kamiński – an antiquarian (Gallery “Pod Manekinem”) and an architect. He is a lover of the history and heritage of Rybnik, the city he comes from, including the (unfortunately disappearing) architectural legacy. He is the author of numerous articles and a book titled “Twentieth-Century Urban Plans of Rybnik and Their Implementations.” His mission is the preservation of architectural heritage. He is affiliated with the Archive of the Institute of Architectural Documentation at the Silesian Library.