Yesterday Michal and I went walkies after work in our new neighbourhood. We decided on a detour to check out the local commy architecture down the road. There are ugly things in life that you can shrug off or at least learn to accept. Like, for example Macquarie University buildings. Or tight white trousers on a size 16 ass. But Polish commy architecture is in a hideous world of its own. No matter how long you stare at it, no matter how many times you walk past it, live in it, see it re-painted or wonder at its holding capacity – it always remains disgusting and an eye-sore on the landscape. Plus, it holds no retro value and never will. This in itself is pretty amazing, given that ugly shit usually turns retro at some point or another. These structures litter all of Poland. And have done so since the 60s concrete slab revolution. Pity there’s not much tectonic plate activity in the area. I would welcome an earthquake.
This particular commy apartment block stands out amongst the other giants. Note its wooden decorative facade? That’s a special type of ugly. It is “posh commy” ugly. Obviously the Party was feeling generous when this little beauty was being built, and showered the some-are-more-equal-than-others citizens with a tad of architectural elitism. Love that raw timber feel!
10 comments:
Dude! I am so over the moon that you have started this up! Can you feel my excitement through the screen??? And I love your tales of what I affectionately refer to as the "Kooky Land of Poles" - keep it up mate!
P.S. Sorry I am a bit late in actually getting on here - I am v.bad at checking non-work emails!
was wondering when i would hear from you! look out for stories on Lodz - i'm sure they will appear at some stage...
Very catchy blog. I like it a lot. Quite amusing to read about well known things from a different perspective. It has got a very "re-thinkable" impact on me.
very cool blog Jazz. Maybe it's the way you took that photo, but I like that building. There are worse schockers in Surry Hills + it's who lives in them that makes the bigger difference i think...
Hi Justyna
It is Dave here, you know, the other wong. Great blog! I like your writing style. Very funny. Glad to hear that you're enjoying yourself over there!
You have not lost your way with words.
Maybe you should start a fashion label called Posh Commy.
i have to pay my dues to Michal for that one. posh commy is all his...
i know where they got the exotic wood look from... cars! the woodchip veneer around the stereo decs and air conditioning... though i doubt maluch's have stereos or any car in Krakow needs air conditioning
p.s wasnt there a king in poland(cant even remember his name, shows how much attension i paid at saturday school ;) )who tore down all the wooden buildings and replaced them with stone ones? i guess he missed a few :P ur writing is very quirky, i like!
the king was Kazimierz Wielki (K the Great).
The remark "I would welcome an earthquake" really made me laugh!
Post a Comment