Daniel Libeskind Ponders Warsaw
Warsaw's public space and architecture has for years been a source of spirited discussion among Poles and visitors alike. After the majority of its landscape was flattened in the war, much of the reconstructed areas were given a distinctly Socialist feel. As result, Warsaw's buildings are often rather simple and bleak in appearance and there is an unusual amount of space - large roads, open squares. Consider the city's central hub - the sprawling Plac Defilad and the controversial Palace of Culture and Science at its centre.
However, the city is slowly catching up with plans for new buildings with a contemporary design (the Museum of the History of Polish Jews for example) or modernizing current structures, such as the central train station. Several new exciting projects have popped up in recent years already, such as the unusual glass-covered Zlote Tarasy shopping centre.
Curious about a professional's take on the situation? Live4Space, a project aimed at discussing public space in cities around the world is focusing on Warsaw this time around. The special guest of the discussion is none other than world famous Polish-born architect Daniel Libeskind. The discussion is interactive too - log in at their Facebook page to submit questions and follow along live.
The talk takes place January 28 2010 at 8PM GMT+1.
Missed the talk? Head to the Live4Space official site for a summary of the discussion.