Warsaw’s architecture has a chequered past. Much of the historic centre was destroyed and rebuilt after the second world war. Modern architecture in Eastern Europe was generally functional, economic and uninspiring. Thereafter modern buildings were of mixed quality of design, often incorporating geometrical shapes for the sake of it. The most recent buildings indicate that Warsaw is able to provide contemporary architecture of international quality. Norman Foster has designed a new office block – the Metropolitan business centre located near the Grand Theatre, the form of which is said to resemble a spaceship, with an open courtyard having computer-controlled fountains. The most recent shopping centre is Zlote Tarasy or Golden Terraces - a modern complex with office spaces, a shopping centre, a hotel 200 restaurants and shops under its wavy roof and a multiplex cinema, designed by the Jerde Partnership.
The American embassy is famously one of Warsaw’s most ugly modern buildings; in contrast the new Canadian embassy by WZMH Architects is one of the best and is the winner of three architecture/building awards. Rounding up this series of contemporary buildings is the new National Stadium designed by gmp Architekten, which won the 2012 World Stadium Award in the best multifunctional stadium design and most innovative use of technology categories in stadium design. The most recent museum is the excellent Chopin Museum – see the previous article.
There has recently been an international competition for a new museum of modern art, though the programme is uncertain. If it comes to fruition, this will add yet another architectural string to Warsaw’s bow.