Herbert Hoover Square

Herbert Hoover Square is located in the historic centre of Warsaw - a green enclave situated at the widest section of Krakowskie Przedmiescie, between the Mickiewicz Monument and the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Passau. The main objective of the design was to reorganize this neglected place and make it an attractive public square in a garden setting. In spatial terms, the key decision was to situate an elongated, lowered square between the historical monuments. This clear arrangement made it possible to establish a better relationship between the garden square and the street running at two levels around it. New facilities include a café pavilion, a kiosk, public conveniences, an underground restaurant and a gallery. These are embedded in the layout of the existing and newly designed stone walls. 'Water steps' closing off the square to the south allow the Mickiewicz Monument to blend into the composition of the square (text from architect's website).