The post-war reconstruction of J. Mamlok’s Department Store in Wrocław – an attempt at the palimpsest decoding

Krystyna Kirschke, Joanna Olesińska

doi:10.5277/arc160106

Abstract

The article refers to the after the war rebuilding of the damage of commertial objects in the Old Town in Wrocław. The nature of Wroclaw, like other cities, is constantly changing, which depends on many factors and determines the identity of the inhabitants. As a result of World War II, the city was severely damaged, but managed to protect a clear urban structure – a network of streets and the layout quarters. This prejudged the direction of reconstruction referring to the historical tradition especially since it was in line with the plan of General Conservator of Monuments Jan Zachwatowicz, assuming a full reconstruction of buildings intended for residential purposes. As a result of this action a significant portion of more than a hundred modern commercial buildings erected in the late 19th and early 20th century has disappeared. The former trading house J. Mamlok, built in 1905, designed by Simon & Halfpaap, is one example of reconstruction combined with changes in the function. In 1954 it was adapted to the object of teaching and office. The facade of the commercial building was changed completely and was similar to Wrocław Baroque townhouses. Realisation of the project was completed in the 1980s when the main facade was plastered “smooth” delimiting detail to constructing the plinth moulding. A few years ago the building has changed its user and acts as a hostel with a restaurant and pub on the ground floor and basements. It is still possible to see the steel structure of the former department store and the oldest walls on which it was built. Today one may wonder whether post-war actions were deliberate blurring of the old and creating a new layer of palimpsest city. But certainly the history of this small element of the city, took part in creation of the identity of its contemporary inhabitants.