9:05 27 February 2026
Łódż in future-ready mode
Łódź blends six centuries of history with forward-looking urban development. Today, it stands among Poland’s most innovative cities. The key to becoming a city of the future is implementing strategies that create multifunctional, people- and environment-friendly areas aligned with regeneration and the 15-minute city concept
Examples of such investments include two flagship projects delivered in Łódź by the Echo Archicom Group. Fuzja – the revitalization of an 8-hectare post-industrial site once owned by the Scheibler family, won two of the most prestigious awards at last year’s MIPIM Awards: Best Urban Regeneration Project and the Special Jury Award. The second project, Flow, is a modern destination for living, working and leisure, in the very heart of the New Center of Łódź. Drawing on decades of experience, the companies create spaces that combine tradition with a contemporary urban vision and deliver tangible benefits to the city and its communities.
Carlos Moreno, the originator of the 15-minute city concept, emphasizes decentralized urban development that ensures access to retail, services and transport infrastructure within a compact area. Equally important is quality of life, shaped not only by physical infrastructure, but also by mental well-being, influenced by social relationships and proximity to nature. Reducing urban heat islands and advancing decarbonization remain key challenges
“The 15-minute city concept is based on polycentric urban development, enabling communities not only to live, but also to work, relax, connect with nature, build neighborly relationships and enjoy unrestricted access to retail and services,” says Waldemar Olbryk, President of the Management Board of Archicom. “We strongly believe in this idea, as demonstrated by our Łódź projects – Fuzja, developed as a destination format, and Flow, a modern development emerging in the New Centre of Łódź. When designing our projects, we draw on contemporary urban trends such as ecology, the sharing economy and sustainable urban mobility. This ensures that key destinations for residents are fully accessible via decarbonized modes of transportion foot, by bicycle or by public transportion. Fuzja and Flow fully deliver on these objectives.”
Today, the proverbial “four walls” are no longer enough to ensure happiness. Cities of the future based on the 15-minute model offer much more. We need spaces not only for living, but also for working, spending leisure time surrounded by greenery, and participating in cultural events and attractions. We want everything within easy reach – and this is precisely what Fuzja offers. Across the 8-hectare revitalized site, there are two office buildings, a modern coworking space, CitySpace, and restaurants, services and cafés located within historic buildings.
Similarly, Flow, under construction in the New Centre of Łódź, will provide a mix of residential, retail and leisure functions. The project will also benefit from immediate access to attractions offered by the neighboring EC1 City of Culture, a major science and cultural institution.
Efficient mobility and freedom of choice play a crucial role in the 15-minute city.. From Fuzja, located along key city arteries, residents can reach destinations quickly thanks to nearby public transport stops and extensive pedestrian and cycling routes. Flow sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban mobility, being developed next to Łódź Fabryczna,one of Europe’s most modern railway stations, as well as numerous public transport hubs. Residents will also have access to electric vehicle charging stations and two-wheeler infrastructure..
Modern cities must address climate and social challenges. The 15-minute city concept offers solutions that can make urban life more sustainable, inclusive and people-friendly. A key objective of the city of the future is the elimination of heat islands and the reduction of urban temperatures through carefully designed greenery.
Anna’s Gardens, located at the heart of Fuzja next to the historic Karol Scheibler power plant, exemplify a new approach to urban spaces. Rather than a standard communal area, it is an atmospheric, zoned space filled with greenery. The area includes mature trees, lawns, shrubs and a creative playground designed to spark children’s imagination. Anna’s Gardens represent a contemporary interpretation of the urban courtyard, where greenery coexists with the built environment, and relaxation areas encourage meetings and the formation of strong neighborhood ties.
Green spaces will play an equally important role in the Flow project. Once completed, the development will feature a woonerf and a pocket park with infrastructure designed to support outdoor activity for both adults and children.
“Everyday proximity to nature and spaces that encourage social interaction enable meaningful connections between people,” concludes Waldemar Olbryk, President of the Management Board of Archicom. “Open green areas foster community integration and help prevent social exclusion. By implementing the 15-minute city concept, residents gain easier access to services, recreation and workplaces, enabling a more balanced and comfortable lifestyle.”
Waldemar Olbryk
President of Archicom S.A.
Waldemar Olbryk holds a degree in Economics from the University of Łódź and an MBA jointly completed with the University of Maryland, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). For more than 25 years, he has led business ventures in Poland, specializing in end-to-end real estate development. His career includes contributions to the BP petrol station network, the Manufaktura project in Łódź, and projects for Philips Poland. He joined Skanska in 2008, later leading Skanska Property Poland, and since 2021 has headed Archicom S.A., focusing on innovation and sustainable growth.
