Laboratories of Style, Places of Encounter. Editorial ERA21 #01/2025

Monika Jasioková

Back in the 1920s, architect Leopold Bauer described the department store as the cornerstone of public life—a space where culture, fashion, and education converged. His vision went on to inspire numerous department store projects. In recent decades, however, many of these buildings have suffered neglect, marginalization, and, subsequently, a functional and material decline—marked by vacancies, disorder, and in some cases, demolition.

Usually occupying strategic central locations, many of these buildings are considered iconic works of architecture as well as important reminders of past economic prosperity. Yet, very few have undergone high-quality renovations that preserve their original purpose. Today, they must compete with depersonalized shopping malls and online shopping, which lacks spontaneity, exploration, or any kind of human contact.

We have reached a point where the entire concept of commerce deserves reexamination. It needs to evolve in order to meet the shifting needs of the market, of society, and the city. Therefore, we must ask ourselves some fundamental questions: In the post-pandemic world, do people still place value on physical commercial spaces? Should we promote cooperation between the private and public sectors in establishing multi-use spaces for diverse activities? Is there a future for these former “temples of commerce” through preservation and revitalization—or are they really singing their swan song?