City-forming role of the Metro in Warsaw

Abstract

The article analyses the continuous transformations in the spatial development of the western part of Warsaw from 2001 to 2022. The study utilises cartographic materials and temporal analysis, considering pedestrian travel times to planned metro stations in the Bemowo district. An investment analysis of single and multi-family buildings was conducted throughout the Bemowo district and near metro stations. The analysis is based on four time intervals to determine the speed and nature of changes and their impact on land development. The selected analysis periods are 2001–2005, 2005–2010, 2010–2016, and 2016–2022. In 2022, the construction of the last section of the second metro line commenced. The results indicate that the total number of buildings constructed in Bemowo within 833 m of the metro station increased by 298 between 2001 and 2022, representing a growth of 64.5 %. During the same period, the building area increased by 1,237,405 m2, corresponding to a growth of 136.2 % relative to the existing area. The highest increase in the number of new multi-family buildings was observed after 2016, providing evidence of the alignment of the construction and the second metro line station with the transit-oriented development (TOD) concept in the western part of Warsaw.