‘The train station might be moved or reconstructed to its most appealing architectural form which functioned between the 1880s and 1930s. The building would be perceived as a historic object, and at the same time absorbed by a new structure,’ says Wojciech Szygendowski, the Voivodeship Historic Preservation Officer.

Kostek Lichtenstein: Do you like the Łódź Fabryczna train station?

Wojciech Szygendowski: Delicately speaking, there is nothing to be proud of. Whenever I’m there, I just flit along the ticket windows, buy the tickets and rush to a train. I was once pleasantly surprised when I saw the station from a high-rise building in Traugutta Street. It was several years ago and, to be honest, I didn’t fully realise what I was looking at. I associated the building with the Gdańsk Arsenal – three tenement gables which characteristic merging roofs. Basically, the station’s shape is interesting – it definitely stands out from other buildings of this type. There are a few other Polish stations which we shouldn’t be ashamed of in Europe, e.g. the modernized stations in Skierniewice, Przemyśl and Cracow. When I was abroad, the main station in Prague called Hlavní Nádraži made the biggest impression on me. Already on the turn of the 1970s and 1980s, Czechs were able to merge the old with the new in a very skilful fashion. This is the right direction – people travel more, transportation needs are increasing, infrastructure must be developed, but the respect for the times past is also vital.

What is the legal status of the station?

This building is registered in the voivodeship monuments registry. If a given area is not included in a local spatial development plan, the buildings included in the registry are practically not protected. If the station was to be demolished, the situation could be compared with that of the recently demolished fire station in Sienkiewicza Street, which was also included in the registry. I don’t want to be perceived as a person who contributed to the station’s total disappearance. In my opinion, this building has a sentimental value. There are numerous good memories surrounding this station, not only mine, but also other citizens’ of Łódź.

What has remained of the original building?

These surely are the facades, certain internal walls, and the rafter framing whose condition is really good. We must not forget that the building has been developed at least twice. If it is decided the station is to be demolished, I’m going to insist on carrying out an archaeological survey which, speaking professional jargon, will delayer the building. The survey will show which parts were created in given stages and provide information regarding the construction materials and techniques used. The last stage results from the modernisation undertaken in the 1930s. Then the original building shape was deprived of a variety of its aesthetic qualities, i.e. its lightness and harmonious multi-element structure. The following post-war modernisations resulted in removing a substantial number of details.

The underground tracks and the new underground station are planned to be located elsewhere. What can be done with the old station building so as to preserve its memory?

Our initial idea was to move the station into its new location, which is quite feasible. However, in this case it is extremely difficult, taking into account the excavations for the new station and high-speed trains. For several months, the new location is going to be just a huge hole in the ground. Technically speaking, the relocation of the building would be very costly and difficult. The building is ancient and worn away with age, so this operation would be pretty risky. We have faced a dilemma, as we started thinking that the old station may jeopardise such an excellent chance for Łódź, namely the construction of the new centre and especially the high-speed railway line which, apart from motorways, is supposed to be another element connecting the city with Europe. Not long ago I was afraid that a situation similar to what happened several years ago in Zachodnia Street will be repeated. For transportation purposes, the old buildings were demolished and the street was widened, however, new buildings creating the eastern frontage, from Zielona Street to Ogrodowa Street, were supposed to be built straightaway. Unfortunately, nothing has been built there for the last 50 years. When the agreements were signed I talked with Cezary Grabarczyk, the Minister of Infrastructure, and with the railways management. I became hopeful that everything will be all right this time, especially taking into account the fact that decision-makers are favourably inclined towards the station's new location.

Is it going to be the same station located elsewhere? Is the building mass going to be changed?

It is in the above-mentioned surveys that we will find answers to all questions regarding the station's final shape. I’m convinced that it may be relocated or reconstructed in its most attractive architectural form which functioned between the 1880s and 1930s. The building would be visible as a monument which is simultaneously absorbed by a new structure. It would be located in the vicinity of the hall containing the entrance to the station’s underground section. However, until the feasibility study is completed, all this is only a theoretical concept. I’d be really glad if the idea was put into practice – this would be exactly what struck me in Prague. When I explained the idea to the railway management, I suggested partial utilisation of the original elements during the possible reconstruction, namely the bricks received from the demolition and rafter framing elements. As far as the colours are concerned, it will be necessary to strip the wall layers to expose the building’s original colours. It’s been suggested that there are too many yellow and sandy hues on buildings modernised in Łódź. However, in tsarist Russia’s reality all office buildings were yellow-white.

Being a historic preservation officer, how do you perceive the design of the new centre and the idea of revitalization of the historic EC1 heat and power station?

I participated in the talks regarding EC1 redevelopment conditions. A preservation officer has the thankless task of assessing the investor’s ideas. Once, when such a person co-financed enterprises, s/he could influence the way a monument was utilised. As far as conservation is concerned, I have no reservations about the design of the Interactive Museum of Technology in EC1 West. Despite the fact that it was only registered in the monuments registry, it was possible to maintain the buildings in their original shape with minor technological and functional alterations. As far as the EC1 East of the World Art Foundation is concerned, I’d strongly prefer to create there something which would make the existing building much more visible. It’s much too early to talk about the festival centre, too. Fortunately, a preservation officer doesn’t have to take part in discussions regarding the cost of an enterprise. As far as the whole new centre is concerned, finishing materials and the quality of execution will play the pivotal role.

Interview by Kostek Lichtenstein