Waves of Gdańsk: The Falowiec Legacy
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a distinctive series of apartment blocks emerged in Gdańsk, Poland, known collectively as "Falowiec," derived from the Polish word for "wave." These buildings, particularly prominent in the Przymorze area, feature a unique undulating pattern, resembling ocean waves. Among them, the most renowned stands tall with 11 floors, 16 staircases, and a staggering 1,792 apartments accommodating nearly six thousand residents.Above Photo credit: Reddit
Measuring 32 meters in height, 13 meters in width, and stretching a remarkable 860 meters in length, this architectural giant is akin to a small town. Its vast dimensions shape a microclimate around it, with noticeable temperature variations from the north to the south sides.
Initially conceived as a temporary solution to the severe housing shortage of the time, the Falowiec became a permanent fixture in the seaside landscape. The building's design, replicated across the eight Falowce in Gdańsk, features open galleries along the north wall providing access to most apartments. However, over time, these galleries were enclosed with walls, dividing the living spaces.
Despite the initial construction chaos, characterized by piles of sand and concrete slabs, securing one's own apartment was considered a significant improvement for many residents. The allure of living in such a distinctive structure, with views extending to the sea and even the Hel Peninsula on clear days, added to its appeal. Vice-President Wojtkowiak reminisces about the incremental settlement process, highlighting the ongoing construction while residents moved in.
The Falowiec remains not just a testament to architectural ingenuity but also a symbol of resilience, transforming from a temporary fix to an enduring part of Gdańsk's urban fabric
Photo credit: Vortilogue/Flickr
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, a distinctive series of apartment blocks emerged in Gdańsk, Poland, known collectively as "Falowiec," derived from the Polish word for "wave." These buildings, particularly prominent in the Przymorze area, feature a unique undulating pattern, resembling ocean waves. Among them, the most renowned stands tall with 11 floors, 16 staircases, and a staggering 1,792 apartments accommodating nearly six thousand residents.Above Photo credit: Reddit
Measuring 32 meters in height, 13 meters in width, and stretching a remarkable 860 meters in length, this architectural giant is akin to a small town. Its vast dimensions shape a microclimate around it, with noticeable temperature variations from the north to the south sides.
Initially conceived as a temporary solution to the severe housing shortage of the time, the Falowiec became a permanent fixture in the seaside landscape. The building's design, replicated across the eight Falowce in Gdańsk, features open galleries along the north wall providing access to most apartments. However, over time, these galleries were enclosed with walls, dividing the living spaces.
Despite the initial construction chaos, characterized by piles of sand and concrete slabs, securing one's own apartment was considered a significant improvement for many residents. The allure of living in such a distinctive structure, with views extending to the sea and even the Hel Peninsula on clear days, added to its appeal. Vice-President Wojtkowiak reminisces about the incremental settlement process, highlighting the ongoing construction while residents moved in.
The Falowiec remains not just a testament to architectural ingenuity but also a symbol of resilience, transforming from a temporary fix to an enduring part of Gdańsk's urban fabric
Photo credit: Vortilogue/Flickr
Photo credit: Robin Hamman/Flickr
Photo credit: Vortilogue/Flickr
Photo credit: Igor Mróz/Flickr
Photo credit: magro_kr/Flickr
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