Mixed-use building Rotunda Warsaw
The Warsaw Rotunda is a freestanding circular building and the only one of its kind to be built in the city after the Second World War. It was important to the architects to create a counterweight to the massive Palace of Culture, which they did perfectly with the circular shape of the building itself and the unique roof - a jagged steel structure. In 1966, the banking operations of Bank PKO started in the completed building.
In 1979, a momentous accident occurred. A gas explosion occurred in the building, killing 49 people and destroying the original building structure. Reconstruction began immediately and the bank continued to operate as usual. Since then, only a memorial plaque commemorated the victims of the tragic event.
Project overview
- New construction of a historic Warsaw building
- Bank building with public areas
Mixed use with historical character
In 2010, the PKO decided to build a new rotunda, which met with enormous resistance. Opponents of the measure pleaded for the preservation of the historic building. After three years and numerous discussions between the city, the heritage office and the responsible persons at the bank, the population was brought on board. More than 10,000 people took part in the survey on their wishes regarding the building and its forecourt. It turned out that the people of Warsaw wanted a building that resembled the old one. Above all, however, they wanted the building and the forecourt to become a meeting place for the people of Warsaw. In the mid-2010s, permission was finally granted for demolition and new construction, and work began.
The main function of the new rotunda is still to house the PKO. In addition, a public space with a gallery and café was created on the first floor. Its forecourt serves as a popular meeting place with its central location in the city and seating. To ensure trouble-free use of all areas inside the building, REGUFOAM sound 10 was installed under the screed for impact sound insulation.
