Zodiak, the Warsaw Architecture Pavilion, used to be a example of post-war Polish modernist architecture and a part of the so-called “Ściana Wschodnia” (Eastern Wall) – an architectural plan around pasaż Wiecha in the very center of Warsaw. Back then, Zodiak used to be a famous cafe.
Two elements of the original Zodiak are still there – the neon “Zodiak” designed by Professor Jan Bogusławski (which can be seen from the outside) and a splendid, typical for Polish art of the communist era glass pattern (inside, at the staircase). The new Zodiak was created through the cooperation of the city of Warsaw and the Polish Architecture Society and was designed by Kalata Architekci. The square in front of it (read on to get more info on squares in the city) was designed by Krakow architects Gowin & Siuta. Apparently, the water curtain stops running when you enter it. Till now I haven’t had the guts to check if it works ;).
Currently, the task of the pavilion is to enable a broad dialogue between the city and its residents concerning the architecture of Warsaw. The current exhibition, under the name “Place Warszawy (do odzyskania)” – Squares of Warsaw (to be regained) –concentrates on the architectural form of a square to be regained for the people (as opposed to parking spaces, bus stops etc.). In other words, in the square as practice.
