In his interview, Grzegorz Piątek delves into the evolution of Gdynia, which became an emblem of modernity and progress in the interwar period. Initially conceived as a seaside resort town, Gdynia rapidly transformed into a major industrial port in the 1920s and 1930s. This transformation embodied Poland's aspirations for economic advancement and national pride, positioning Gdynia as a key symbol of the country’s modernisation.

However, the city’s swift development came with challenges. As a burgeoning industrial hub, Gdynia not only represented an economic triumph but also became a battleground for urban planning debates and ideological narratives. The process of transforming a small village into a bustling port city involved significant struggles related to the architectural and infrastructural choices made, often influenced by the political and economic climate of the time. These struggles were not only about space and functionality but also about the vision of a modern Poland, shaped by competing ideas of progress and national identity.

Piątek’s insights illuminate the complex interplay between Gdynia’s physical transformation and its broader symbolic significance, which is embedded in Poland's history as a nation seeking modernisation and self-definition during the interwar period. The city's rapid rise and the ideological currents surrounding its growth have made it a potent myth in Polish culture, symbolising both achievement and the contradictions inherent in rapid industrialisation.

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