17:13 18 December 2024
From Harbor to Hub: The Transformation of Gdynia’s Waterfront
WBJ: Tell me about the background of the project?
The Waterfront project in Gdynia has seen remarkable strides since its inception, although there have been some challenges. With its position at the city center, the project aimed to walk the line between a modern, urban hub, while at the same time honoring Gdynia’s rich heritage as a historic harbor city. In fact, if not for the devastations of war and communism, Gdynia would have been the largest port in the Baltic, or perhaps even of all Europe. But today, the balance between expanding civic spaces, and maintaining the industrial and strategic significance of the port, has been a long-standing issue, complicated by divergent priorities between the local and central governments.
Before World War II, Gdynia’s harbor was a real innovator. However, like many coastal cities, the usual shift from industrial areas to vibrant, public spaces hasn’t happened here, mainly because the harbor still plays a key role in Poland's strategy. While cities in places like Denmark have turned old industrial areas into cultural and leisure spots, Gdynia’s waterfront needs to take a different approach—one that honors its history while also making room for growth and modern development.
The Waterfront project aims to reshape a historically significant area of Gdynia, turning neglected industrial land into a vibrant, modern quarter. What inspired this vision, and how does it honor Gdynia’s heritage while looking towards the future?
The inspiration comes from Gdynia’s history, from its unique evolution. Before the war, and communism, Gdynia was on track to become one of Europe’s leading harbors. It even surpassed Hamburg and Bremerhaven in cargo volume at one point. This was an incredible achievement for a city that was once a small fishing village. In 15 or 20 years the harbor was thriving.
This rapid growth, from a handful of fishermen’s cottages to a city of 130,000 inhabitants before World War II, is a heritage that deserves respect and acknowledgment. Our project builds on this history by providing the “missing piece” for the city’s urban plan.
At one point, Gdynia’s city-center was detached from the waterline. This was quite unusual for a harbor city. However, Vastint’s Waterfront development extends the city center directly to the coastline, creating a seamless connection, something that hasn’t existed before. The new design blends architecture and functionality, offering an elegant yet practical combination of residential, office, and leisure spaces, all integrated into the city’s fabric. In essence, this project reconnects Gdynia to its maritime roots while looking towards the future.
The project includes office spaces, hotels, and leisure zones. How do you envision Waterfront contributing to Gdynia’s economy and its reputation as a business and leisure hub?
Waterfront is where the fresh sea breeze meets the buzz of business activity. This special mix is at the core of the project. It brings together the energy of a lively city center with the calm of being by the water, making it different from other urban areas. This combination improves the everyday life of residents and workers while also drawing businesses looking for a prime location.
Waterfront is more than just a place to live or work; it’s a lively spot that plays a big role in Gdynia’s economy and culture. The office spaces are designed to be modern and practical, offering a space that encourages productivity while taking in beautiful sea views. This mix of uses helps Gdynia grow as a hub for both business and leisure, creating an area that supports local jobs and fuels economic growth.
The mix of residential, office, cultural, and leisure functions ensures that Waterfront isn’t just a workplace or residential area—it’s a vibrant community. This blend supports Gdynia’s economy by attracting businesses, tourism, and residents who value a unique lifestyle.
Simply put, happy, relaxed people are more productive, and this positivity feeds directly into the local economy.
When is the project expected to be completed, and when will residents begin moving in? How large is the residential community expected to be, and could you share more about the retail, leisure, and everyday conveniences designed to enhance residents’ quality of life?
Waterfront has three phases. The first phase was completed in 2015 and included an 11,000-square-meter office building (known as the “bank building”) and a 200 room hotel. This phase alone created about 1,000 jobs and brought back life to the area.
The second phase began this year, added 16,000 square meters of office space and 126 residential apartments, accommodating approximately 400 residents. The apartments will be equipped with high-quality finishes, including wall and floor claddings, and furnished kitchens, with sales planned for Q1 2025. This phase also includes 20 service units to support various business activities.
The third, and most ambitious, phase will introduce two hotels, cultural spaces, including a multiscreen cinema, and office buildings totaling 6,000 square meters. The development will create space for over 3,000 people, including residents, workers, and visitors. A standout feature of this phase will be versatile spaces that can host all sorts of events, like conferences, with the option to expand into an outdoor square for bigger gatherings. This will make the Waterfront the perfect spot for events like the Polish Movie Festival and the Lady Jazz Festival.
The project is all about creating a lively, mixed-use community. With shops, leisure spots, and everyday conveniences, the Waterfront has something for everyone. It will boost Gdynia's economy and turn the area into a buzzing hub for business, culture, and tourism. The location, design, and range of amenities will make it a great choice for anyone looking for a connected, high-quality living experience.
Could you share more about how the design of buildings and public spaces reflects the city’s maritime character, and how it enhances community interaction?
Gdynia, called the "Pearl of Modernism on the Baltic" during the interwar period, stands out with its unique, cohesive architectural style. Maritime-inspired elements such as balconies resembling bosun's boots, long glazed corridors reminiscent of captain’s bridges, and a predominance of white facades—dubbed “Gdynia color” before World War II—captures the city’s nautical essence.
The team at JEMS architectural firm has put a modern twist on these classic nautical elements. The building facades feature detailed piping that looks like yacht poles, and sharp angles inspired by ships slicing through the waves. Between the buildings, we’ve created open squares connected by walkways, surrounded by local greenery like dune grasses and pine trees, bringing the coastal vibe to life.
Overall, I’d say the design prioritizes community interaction, with outdoor seating areas and interconnected plazas. These spaces draw people in so that residents and visitors can connect, relax, and embrace the maritime character of Gdynia. Modern design and maritime heritage come together in something of an homage to what was, but with an eye towards the future.
How the project’s design supports a relaxed, coastal lifestyle for residents:
The Waterfront apartments are all about connecting your home to the seaside vibe, making life relaxed and enjoyable. With big windows and balconies, you can soak in the stunning sea views right from your living room. Big sliding doors enhance this connection, allowing the sea breeze to flow inside and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living.
The apartments come in two unique styles—Harbor and Yacht—both inspired by the sea. The staircases are designed with lots of glass to keep spaces bright and connected to the outdoors. The buildings are set up to block those strong coastal winds, so you can enjoy being outside no matter the season. With landscaping that includes dune grasses and pine trees, the whole area feels like a peaceful seaside getaway.
