Budowanie Łodzi nowoczesnej
Building Modern Łódź

Author(s): Krzysztof Stefański
Subject(s): Architecture, Local History / Microhistory, Interwar Period (1920 - 1939)
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego
Keywords: architecture of Lodz; interwar period; public buildings; housing constructions
Summary/Abstract: Łódź developed during the 19th century as a large industrial center struggling with many problems resulting from neglect of urban infrastructure. In the field of urban planning, there were negative aspects of planning from the first period of the city's development, when such significant industrial development and population growth were not taken into account; in the architectural sphere, great contrasts were visible, an unfavorable mixture of residential and industrial buildings, and no plans on a larger scale. Attempts to change this situation at the beginning of the 20th century, before 1914, had no chance of success given the policy pursued by the Russian authorities. The first manifestations of modernization aspirations appeared during World War I, during the German occupation, but in the war situation it was impossible to put them into practice. It was only after regaining independence that opportunities for action on a larger scale appeared. However, numerous initiatives of the city authorities and social initiatives brought only partial results in the face of constant financial problems and political disputes. Despite this, it was possible to create a new regulatory plan for the city and undertake investments that would change the city's image. Private entrepreneurs also played a significant role by building a large number of modern tenement houses in the city center, introducing modernist forms on a large scale.

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