Landmarks of the Metropolis, the Types of Forms of Varsovian Skyscrapers as Compared to Global Precedence

Abstract

The following paper is devoted to research on the types of forms of skyscrapers built in Warsaw from 1989 to 2022. The research focuses on defining the architectural typology of such forms as elements of the image of the city. The research was carried out in the following stages: defining the character of international examples of skyscrapers, research on types of forms of high-rise buildings realized in Warsaw and their formal classification, determination of typological features of twenty-four high-rise buildings under study, and their changes over time. The characteristic elements of the image of the city and urban composition related to the examined buildings were determined. As a result of the research, it was determined that the most common types of forms found in the study group were free forms—41.6%, polygonal forms—25%, and obelisk forms—20.8%. In individual cases, there are tapered, aerodynamic, and regional forms. The research showed a trend in the latest projects, dating back to the last five years, consisting of an increase in the number of buildings constructed, an increase their scale, a lowering of their slenderness, and a tendency to implement polygonal forms more often than free forms. High-rise buildings are landmarks in the urban composition and the image of Warsaw. Most often, they designate paths and nodes with which they are associated. The types of forms of high-rise buildings in Warsaw vary; there is no uniform type of form of high-rise building implemented in the period. For this reason, the research should be updated and carried out using the methodology presented in the paper.