Creating a place rather than a facility

In the larger conurbations, modern third and fourth generation shopping centres are increasingly often being developed in the city centres. In the eyes of residents as well as visitors, these can considerably improve the attractiveness of the city centre without having a negative impact on its architectural layout and the way it functions. However, for such a project it is necessary to ensure its architectural cohesion with the urban environment and to open it up to activities that go beyond pure retail. Manufaktura in Łódź is one example of such a project. It has given historic-but-dilapidated buildings a new function and re-integrated them into the living urban fabric. The consistent implementation of this strategy has activated the local community and turned the Manufaktura market square into one of the main arenas for cultural and social events in the city, independent of the functioning of the shopping centre. In this way the complex has become an integral part of the city, eagerly visited by those who are not only interested in shopping but also the cultural, artistic and sporting events on offer. There is an ice rink on the square in the winter, while in the summer it is a beach, where classes and shows for children and adults are held. Its suitability for local community grassroots initiatives has been equally as important in the process of integrating Manufaktura into the fabric of the public space. There have been a number of such initiatives, in which films have been shot and photo sessions have taken place. These are complemented by events devised to play an important role in the promotion of the city and its history.