Conservation of the ‘Piast’ Cinema in Słubice: An Architectural, Urban or Moral Problem?

• Main Author: Eckert Wojciech
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Sciendo 2016-12-01
• Series: Civil and Environmental Engineering Reports
• Subjects: monument; cinema building; façade; renovation; monuments register; art deco; cultural landscape; history
• Online Access: http://www.degruyter.com/view/j/ceer.2016.23.issue-4/ceer-2016-0049/ceer-2016-0049.xml?format=INT

For many years, attempts have been made to remove the relic of the ‘Piast’ Cinema in the western town of Słubice from Poland’s monuments register. This would allow for its demolition and construction of a modern commercial building on the site. The majority of the building has already be demolished, with only the front elevation remaining. The façade of the cinema has unique artistic value, representing a rare example of the art deco style in the region. The building also forms an important part of the cultural landscape of this border town, representing the history of both Słubice and nearby Frankfurt. With its total demolition, Słubice would lose a unique monument and the entire frontage of the street on which it is located would be downgraded.