Remodelling of the Central Train Station in Warsaw
One of the largest investments in Poland in the 1970s, the Central Train Station in Warsaw was designed by Arseniusz Romanowicz. This structure is a good example of Polish Late-
Modernist architecture, and has become one of Warsaws architectural icons. The quality of workmanship in this complex, built in the centrally-planned economy era, left much to be desired. Polish Railroads (PKP SA) assigned the sum of 11,000,000 to cover the cost of the renovation of 54,000m2; this was a very tight budged for the scale of building. So, the design proposed effective actions which would make the best possible use better-preserved elements of the architecture. The station has been connected with the surrounding public space and is now accessible for the handicapped. This was achieved by connecting the main hall level with mezzanines, galleries and platforms by new elevators. As far as it was possible, the design restored the original look of the building and introduced modern complementary elements which enter into a dialogue with the stations Modernist form. All principal elements which were still fit to be used, have been preserved and renovated, particularly floors and dominant interior finishing materials: stone facing and washed gravel concrete plaster. New suspended ceilings and the lighting arrangement were based on the original solutions. New furnishings and details were added, providing a contemporary relation to the 1970s architecture. A balanced contrast between the old, partially renovated surroundings, and new elements made of modern materials, is the most obvious feature of alterations. In particular, new elements include: pavilions in the main hall, new layout of retail areas along the commercial galleries, furnitures , information media, and architectural elements. Train and station information media have become an important element, in the form of light-box signboards and various electronic devices, partly integrated with station architecture.