Hanseatic Office Building by Hans Poelzig in Wrocław

The Hans Poelzig Office Building in Wrocław, located at the corner of Łaciarska Street and Ofiar Oświęcimskich 38/40, is considered one of the finest works of this architect, constructed between 1912 and 1913. Designed on a U-shaped plan and covering an area of 1,170 m², the building features an innovative reinforced concrete structure with a horizontal facade layout, making it a prototype for modern commercial buildings in Europe. After the war, until 1992, the building served as the headquarters of the Design and Research Office for General Construction "Miastoprojekt," and later, until 1995, it was used as the seat of Branch III of Bank Zachodni SA, following renovations to adapt it to banking needs. The building's history is also rich in cultural events—from 1912 to 1924, the Urania Cinema operated here, hosting film screenings and educational lectures. The building also housed the Mime Theater, the Student Club "Pałacyk," and the Appellate Prosecutor's Office. Its diverse functions are reflected in the transformations it underwent in the 1960s, when an additional floor was added, and large display windows and three staircases were introduced. Interestingly, the ground floor originally housed an Elektrolux store, while the upper floors contained offices arranged with lightweight partition walls. The building's facade, originally featuring elliptical roofs, is distinguished by its rounded corner and geometric details, making it an architecturally interesting object. It is also worth noting that the cinema, which began operations in 1912, was equipped with a fountain, which served as an attractive feature during screenings. The Hans Poelzig Office Building is not only a significant architectural landmark but also a witness to the historical and cultural transformations of Wrocław.