Piotr Smierzewski’s opinion about the new Metropolitan Building in Warsaw, designed by Norman Foster. 

“Tremendous excitement – the idea of doing something in Warsaw, doing something for Gerald Hines – our first project in Central Europe. I think there was a real passion to respond to the rich historical heritage of Pilsudski Square with a contemporary building. Our starting point was to respect the fact that all the buildings around the square have a uniform height. 

We wanted to create a building that is transparent for those who use it – with fantastic views – but which also appears solid like all the surrounding buildings. That was a real challenge. The solution is the vertical granite fins – viewed obliquely the façade appears to be made of solid stone, but becomes more transparent when viewed straight on.”

Norman Foster, www.metropolitan.waw.pl