Gdansk office building

by Monika Lenarczyk 

THE DYREKCJA BUILDING (BUDYNEK DYREKCJI) 

The history of The Dyrekcja building dates back to 1878. As one of the oldest buildings on the Imperial Shipyard, it has witnessed many historical events, inter alia strikes of shipyard workers. Nowadays, it is considered to be one of the most original office spaces in the Tri-City. 

HOW IT ALL STARTED 

The building showed up on the map of Gdańsk for the first time in 1878, and was called „Das Direktiongebäude, Haupt Bureau-Gebäude”, which means "Directorate, Main Office Building" ("Dyrekcja, Główny Budynek Biurowy"). Although originally, it was a three-storey structure, it has been expanded in 1902, so it had also a section consisting of 5 floors. The Dyrekcja building became the central and most important place for managing ship production.  

THE ROLE OF THE BUILDING IN THE LIGHT OF LATER EVENTS 

During the Second World War (1939-1945), the building was significantly damaged. However, the beginning of the Gdańsk Shipyard started the most memorable period in its history. In December 1970, the rallies of shipyard workers were taking place on the square in front of the building. In 1980 though, there was a strike organized by the workers of Gdańsk Shipyard. The Strike Committee was invited by the Shipyard Director to the Dyrekcja building for negotiations, although, ultimately, the invitation was rejected, and the final negotiations were taking place in the nearby building - "BHP Hall" ("Sala BHP"). The reason was simple - the workers demanded the meeting to be broadcast at the Shipyard, which wasn't possible at the Dyrekcja building. 

THE END OF THE HISTORY OF THE BUILDING? 

It was 2002, when the offices were moved to Ostrów Island (Wyspa Ostrów - Gdańsk). Fortunately, there was a new investor - Stocznia Cesarska Development (so-called "Imperial Shipyard Development"). Due to the new investor, the building had the opportunity to be renovated, becoming the first completely revitalized commercial building on post-shipyard land in Gdansk. 

THE REVITALIZATION PROCESS 

The revitalization process lasted more than a year, including both the inside and the outside of the building. The idea was to keep the original spirit of the place remained, so the work that was done was mainly aimed at restoring many of the original materials.  

THE BUILDING NOWADAYS 

Nowadays, the building functions as an office. Moreover, besides the co-working space, we can find there many shared conference rooms, relaxation areas, and other facilities.  

Sources:  

https://dziennikbaltycki.pl/historyczny-budynek-dyrekcji-w-stoczni-cesarskiej-w-gdansku-pieknieje-teraz-bedzie-pelnil-role-biurowca-zdjecia/ar/c3-15104674 

https://stoczniacesarska.pl/en/the-dyrekcja-building/