Maciej Pałac Critiques Architect’s Pro-Developer Stance

25 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Journalist Maciej Pałac argues that the Balcerowicz Square redevelopment interview reflected an investor-friendly view, not a neutral urban analysis.

Maciej Pałac has published a detailed critique of an interview with architect Maciej Łobos. The piece argues that the Balcerowicz Square redevelopment interview was not a neutral urban analysis. Consequently, the debate in Rzeszów has grown heated and public.

Table of Contents

Conflict of interest and missing data

Pałac explains that Łobos advised a firm linked to the investor. Therefore the interview acted more like advocacy. Moreover, the architect did not provide full data. He offered opinions instead of traffic studies. He did not present parking or school capacity numbers. In addition, he did not show environmental calculations. As a result citizens lack facts to judge the proposal.

Pałac lists claims from the interview. The claims included that Balcerek “must be destroyed” and that more housing will fix traffic. However, he shows that these claims lack evidence. He calls for independent appraisals. Furthermore, he asks for official land valuations. He also demands a clear cost-benefit study. Without those, debate stays one-sided.

Balcerowicz Square redevelopment: alternatives and risks

Pałac stresses that densification is not the only option. Moreover, he outlines many softer solutions. For example, a staged development could protect market traders. In addition, a covered market hall could replace chaotic stalls. Therefore planners could mix housing, services, and green spaces. However, Pałac warns that adding housing without more schools and transit will aggravate congestion.

He notes that the city already faces heavy traffic. Consequently, every new resident may raise car use. He asks for figures on new trips and which streets will absorb them. Furthermore, he calls for public transit upgrades before major builds. As a result the city can avoid becoming denser only on paper.

Language, trust and public debate

Pałac criticises the tone used in the interview. He notes insults like “madmen” and “Bangladesh”. Such language silences reasonable critics. Therefore the conversation turns into tribal shouting. Moreover, it hides real concerns about heritage and green space. He argues that critics may support development in principle. Yet they oppose this form of development. In addition, they want transparent terms of land swaps and public consultations.

Pałac also highlights the role of masterplans paid by investors. He explains that such plans often aim to secure finance. Consequently, independent municipal analysis must follow. He argues for an urban competition to test alternatives. Furthermore, he wants guarantees for market traders and public land value capture.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live in Poland as an expat, you can follow and influence local planning. EU citizens resident in Poland may vote in local elections. To take part in some administrative procedures you may need a PESEL (national ID number). For social and health services know that ZUS handles pensions and social insurance, while NFZ runs public health insurance. If authorities issue a mandat (fine), you must pay or appeal it. To act on planning matters, attend public consultations called “konsultacje społeczne.” Also check local council agendas and the city planning office for the MPZP (local spatial plan) and decisions on building conditions. Contact the municipality early. Local NGOs and traders often publish concise guides in English.

Pałac concludes that Łobos has the right to his view. However, Pałac says the city must not accept advocacy as expert advice. Therefore he demands disclosure of the architect’s ties to the investor. Moreover, he asks for traffic models, environmental impact assessments, and transparent swap terms. As a result, Rzeszów can choose fairer development paths.

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