Michal Kovalchuk's architecture beyond the borders of modern Poland

Although he was not the most famous architect of Lviv, the buildings he designed still delight us today and blend perfectly into the Galician urban fabric. Michal Kovalchuk is an artist who has left a rich legacy - not only in the form of buildings, but also works related to the history of architecture.

Michal Kovalchuk ( 1855-1938 ) is a Polish architect, restorer and art historian , whose many years of residence in Lviv resulted in some magnificent projects. Born in Stanislawow, he was a graduate of the Lviv Polytechnic , which he completed with excellent results - at the same university he later became an associate professor . At that time he published a number of popular publications, including the one entitled "The Builders' Guild in Lviv in the Polish times up to 1772". In the meantime, he also studied in Italy.

At the end of the 19th century, an important place in Kovalchuk's oeuvre was occupied by buildings in the historicising trend , i.e. Neo-Baroque, Neo-Renaissance or even Neo-Rococo. However, he was also a pioneer when it came to applying the Zakopane style in Lviv. Later, the architect turned to Art Nouveau and created some buildings in other varieties of modernist aesthetics .

Kovalchuk specialised in the restoration of residential and sacred buildings . For example, he participated in the reconstruction of the Lviv Cathedral, and his designs were used to create stained glass windows and window mansweres , among other things . He also oversaw the renovation of the chapel in the Jesuit Church in Lviv .

What's more, the maps of the Galician capital show a multitude of other properties that were created thanks to the architect. The entire housing estate located on Doroszenki Street is worth mentioning here. Michał Kowalczuk was also the author of designs for many tenement houses.

It should be added that the architect designed the plan for the villa at 19 Generala Chuprynky Street - the building was constructed in the late Historicist style with a touch of Neo-Romanticism . Decorations inspired by folk art were used here . Kowalczuk also designed his private residence "Podolanka", which represents the style of Zakopane . , which represents the Zakopane style . It is worth noting, however, that he also created designs for public buildings.