Technique: Postmodern architecture

Location: Wrocław, Świdnicka Street

Year of construction: 1993

Collection: None (architectural object, now demolished)

General Description: Solpol department store is an example of postmodern architecture, distinguished by unusual colors and diverse shapes. The body of the building is cubic, varied with additional elements. These include a prism-shaped glass turret, triangular canopies and step-like windows. The main entrance is located under the tower and is flanked by large windows and decorative columns. Unique to the structure is the pastel color scheme, i.e. soft, bright colors, devoid of strong contrast and saturation. In the case of the Solpol department store, these include pink, purple, beige, gray and turquoise (green with a blue tint).

Detailed description: the Solpol department store building has a cube-shaped body varied by other elements. The most distinctive element is a glass prism-shaped turret located at the edge of the main body. It runs vertically through the entire height of the building. The turret's windows are separated by longitudinal light purple slats. The top of the prism is also glazed and resembles a rosette.

The lower part of the turret is overlapped by a dome, also of prismatic shape. It is wider than the turret and half as long. It is supported by two turquoise pillars. It has a simple turquoise canopy. The dome covers the main entrance to the building, forming a canopy. The walls of the dome are made of bright pink tiles. In the center of the dome is a rectangular window, which is divided into smaller ones by purple slats. Triangular purple ornaments connected to the canopy protrude from the edges of the dome walls. The dome does not enclose the turret, but partially covers it, creating an additional layer.

The side walls of the building are bright. In their upper part small square windows are placed. They are arranged in an even vertical line running the entire width of the building. The contours of the windows are light purple. From the middle of the walls stretches a convex part in the form of steps that descend to the main entrance. On the right this part is glazed. On the left it was made of beige tiles with glass filling.  The edges of the windows are thick turquoise slats.

The richness of colors and shapes enhances the impression of lightness and subtle undulations of the block.

Solpol, designed by Wojciech Jarząbek, was an icon of Polish postmodernism in the 1990s, reflecting the changing social and economic realities in Poland. Its architecture was a bold experiment that combined functionality with an aesthetic that was a combination of humor and futuristic aspirations. The building became a symbol of the era of transformation, when modernity and commercialization permeated the urban landscape.

Although the building aroused controversy - some considered it an architectural curiosity, others an iconic work of art - Solpol left a lasting mark in the consciousness of Wroclaw residents. The decision to demolish it in 2021 sparked a heated debate on the protection of postmodern architecture as cultural heritage. The building, although it no longer exists, remains in memory as an expression of the distinctive style and spirit of transformation of the 1990s in Poland.

Audiodescription text: Emilia Szymanska

Audiodescription consultation: Adrian Wyka