The Architecture of Jakub Kroch beyond the Contemporary Polish Borders

Historic tenement houses can be found almost everywhere in Lviv today. What's more, they are generally maintained in one of two styles: historicist or art noveau. Jakub Kroch is the architect behind a large number of these buildings. He was additionally an activist in various organisations and a councillor, allowing him to influence the architecture of this city to an even greater extent. Find out more.

Jakub Kroch (1850-1922) was a Polish architect with Jewish roots. Throughout his life he lived in his native Lviv, where he could boast of his major contribution to the development of the local architecture. He broadened his horizons at the city's Technical Academy (today's Lviv Polytechnic). This used to be the best university for future designers in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

When Kroch finished his education, he was accepted as an intern at various architectural offices and construction companies. Then, after gaining the necessary qualifications, he started to design mainly residential buildings . For example, he developed a concept for the tenement houses at 6, 8 and 10 Klonovycha Street in Lviv - they are maintained in the spirit of historicism with neo-Baroque elements . Together with Maurice Silberstain, he also prepared a project for buildings on Huculska Street, which represent the Neo-Renaissance current .

Until around 1900, Kroch's building plans were inspired by previous eras . Sometimes he also created buildings in the Empire convention . Later, in turn, he became interested in modernist architecture - for example, he was the author of designs for three Art Nouveau tenement houses at 35, 37 and 39 Bandery St. It is worth noting that Kroch also created a wooden summer theatre on Wały Hetmańska, but it has not survived to this day.

We should add that in the first decade of the 20th century. Jakub Kroch joined the Lviv Polytechnic Society . This was an organisation of engineers . Among other things, it was an organisation where architects shared their knowledge and established valuable professional contacts. As a city councillor he participated in many decision-making processes concerning the city economy.