Historic 19th Century Barracks in the Space of Polish Cities

Abstract

The article discusses architectural and urban diversity of historic barrack complexes from the late 19th and early 20th century located within the borders of contemporary Poland. Origins of the building complexes are linked to the operation of three occupying powers and their armies in Poland in the period from the late 18th century until World War I (when Poland regained its independence). Nowadays, different in styles, historic building complexes represent a clear element in the structure of many Polish cities. Since the ancient times, barrack complexes have influenced the shape of spatial development in many cities. “Castrum Romanum” was the spatial matrix of many centres, including in Europe: Cologne, Florence, Budapest and Paris. In the area of contemporary Poland, the barrack complexes from the late 19th and early 20th century influenced to the greatest extent the spatial shape of many cities. Today the post-military complexes absorbed by expanding centres during the last century form in the cities clear enclaves distinctive with ordered urban system and consistent architecture, characteristic for all the complexes. Pejorative connotation of the former invaders’ barracks gave way to a new, post-military identity of the places.