Functionalism in Warsaw

One of the most well-thumbed books on Warsaw is Architektura w Warszawie by Marta Leśniakowska (I have the 1998 edition; the book was updated in 2005). En route from a lunch meeting to an interview with Polish Radio (Trójka), I passed the post and telecommunications building on ul. Nowogrodzka 45, an excellent example of pre-war Functionalism.

Turning to my trusty tome, I discover that this was Poland's first steel-framed building, completed in 1934. I am particularly struck by the Polish eagle, rendered in functionalist style, and the wording: "Interurban telephone - telegraph - radiotelegraph". Imagine coming here in the mid-'30s to phone your relatives in Kraków or to reach a crew member on board the transatlantic liner, the MS Batory.

While considering pre-war functionalism, it's worth taking a peek at this building on Al. Na Skarpie, overlooking the Vistula escarpment. Completed in 1935, this was the villa of architect Bohdan Pniewski, a complete functionalist remodelling of what had been a masonic temple from the late 18th C. The use of stone cladding was quite revolutionary at the time (in Britain today it's associated with right-to-buy council houses trying to distinguish themselves from their neighbours).

Above: the coded inscription, which according to Ms Leśniakowska, says something like "Raising ahead he rebuilt the masonic temple and lived in it". Below: I mentioned this before, but I feel it would be worth placing the station signage at W-wa Włochy into the context of pre-war functionalism.

This time last year:
What's the Polish for 'to bully'?

This time two years ago:
Making plans

This time three years ago:
The setting sun stirs my soul

This time four years ago:
Rain ends the drought