Architecture is a field closely related to the exercise of power, and is even sometimes involved in armed conflicts. In recent history, World War II and the German occupation of Poland is a vivid illustration of this claim. Changing the face of many cities, villages and landscapes, and even the interiors of buildings provided the basis for the Germanization of the captured territories. Planning and construction was a central element of Nazi policy, greatly affecting the living conditions and survival opportunities of the Polish and Jewish populations.
Please join us on April 9 at 6:00 pm for a discussion among the authors of the book, titled. “Illusions of Omnipotence. Architecture and everyday life under German occupation”. This publication is an extension of the exhibition at the Castle Cultural Center in Poznan (17.10.2025-09.02.2025), showing the historical topic in the context of the present day. During the meeting we would like to discuss key questions: What influence can architecture as a weapon of war spread? What facets of history are revealed when we look at it through the prism of architecture? What lessons for the present day can we draw from history shown in this way?
Discussants:
- Aleksandra Paradowska (Magdalena Abakanowicz University of Arts in Poznań)
- Christhardt Henschel (GHI Warsaw)
- Marcin Przegiętka (IPN)
Moderation: Anna Cymer, Culture.pl
Event venue: Pracownia Duży Pokój, 4/6 Warecka St., 00-040 Warsaw
