When entering the apartments on Nowogrodzka 4A, it quickly becomes clear that the aesthetics of this place are no accident. It’s a carefully crafted story of Polish visual culture of the 20th century.
Interior architects decided to pay tribute to two outstanding figures who revolutionized Polish art and design: Henryk Stażewski and Roman Modzelewski. Who were these creators, and why do their works still look so modern—as if they were made yesterday?
Henryk Stażewski – a master of geometry and order
Henryk Stażewski (1894–1988) is an absolutely monumental figure of Polish—and even world—avant-garde. He was a co-creator of constructivism in Poland. What does that mean in practice? Stażewski believed that art should be freed from chaos, emotional agitation, and unnecessary ornaments. His tools were the line, the geometric figure, and color.
The artist became famous above all for his reliefs. They are spatial compositions—not a flat picture, but not a fully fledged sculpture either. They play with shadow, depth, and the relationship between colors. For years he lived and worked in Warsaw (his famous studio was on the top floor of a block on today’s Aleja Solidarności), mentoring successive generations of artists.
How is his work reflected in No.4 Residence?
The apartment interiors draw generously from Stażewski’s visual language. Geometric graphics on the walls are a direct reference to his reliefs and abstract compositions. They bring rhythm and harmony to the rooms. In the residence lobby, there is a real gem—an original painting by the master. It’s a rare chance to experience a work of this calibre in a space other than a museum. Thanks to that, guests can feel the spirit of an avant-garde that aspired to perfect proportions.
Roman Modzelewski – a visionary of form
If Henryk Stażewski put the world in order with right angles, then Roman Modzelewski (1912–1997) brought softness and organic shapes to it. He was a painter and sculptor, but he went down in history above all as a brilliant furniture designer. His experiments with synthetic materials in the 1950s were ahead of their time.
Modzelewski’s best-known design is the RM58 armchair. When it was created in 1958, it was a global phenomenon. Modzelewski made it from epoxy-glass laminate, which produced a uniform, fluid shell of the seat—an expression that looks like a modern sculpture. For decades, the chair existed almost exclusively as a prototype (one of the examples even made it into the collection of London’s Victoria & Albert Museum), until in the 21st century it finally entered series production and found its place in contemporary interiors.
The presence in No.4 Residence
In the apartments of No.4 Residence, the RM58 armchair is the “finishing touch.” Its rounded, futuristic silhouette provides an excellent counterpoint to the geometric, sharp lines inspired by Stażewski. It’s a piece that draws the eye and invites you to touch it. It’s proof that Polish post-war design is world-class—one that fits perfectly into today’s luxurious arrangements.
A dialogue of two worlds
Bringing Stażewski’s and Modzelewski’s works together in one property creates a fascinating dialogue. On the one hand, there’s the intellectual rigor of geometry (Stażewski); on the other, there’s a sensual, organic, functional form (Modzelewski).
For guests of No.4 Residence, it’s more than an art history lesson. It’s the experience of being in a space that has deep roots in the identity of Warsaw and Polish design. Instead of anonymous decorations, here we’re surrounded by objects and patterns behind which stand real people—their passions and visionary ideas. This artistic context is what makes staying at Nowogrodzka 4A feel entirely different—fresh and inspiring.
FAQ – Design and art at No.4 Residence
Is the painting by Henryk Stażewski in the lobby an original?
Yes. When you enter the No.4 Residence lobby, you have the chance to experience a genuine work by Henryk Stażewski. It’s a unique piece in the collection that sets the tone for the entire residence. In the apartments themselves, meanwhile, the walls are adorned with carefully selected graphics and compositions that are directly connected to the artist’s style and work.
I’m not familiar with avant-garde art. Won’t these interiors feel too “raw” for me?
Absolutely not. Although the inspiration comes from the avant-garde and geometry, the interiors of No.4 Residence are designed to be cosy and functional. Here, art is a backdrop for rest—it adds character and elegance, without overwhelming. The use of noble materials and warm lighting means that apartments with a kitchenette are ideal for relaxing.
Why were these two artists chosen?
Both Henryk Stażewski and Roman Modzelewski are icons who prove that Polish design and artistic thinking have always been at a world-class level. Their work perfectly resonates with the spirit of No.4 Residence—a place that connects the history of pre-war Warsaw (the tenement building) with modernity and the boldness to shape space.