Abstract
In the present day, the threat of military action on Polish territory is becoming increasingly tangible. For many years, issues concerning the protection of the civilian population have been neglected in both legislative and project processes. Significant deficiencies in infrastructure supporting public safety, as well as a general lack of public awareness regarding potential threats and how to respond to them, have been identified in numerous studies (Szef Obrony Cywilnej Kraju, 2011), reports by the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) (Najwyższa Izba Kontroli, 2023), and the State Fire Service (Biuro do spraw Ochrony Ludności, 2011). Nevertheless, awareness of the need to address this issue is growing – both among the general public and within government structures. Technical requirements for such facilities are currently being developed, and the Civil Protection and Defence Act (Ustawa, 2024) has been passed and is expected to come into force soon. However, no architectural guidelines have yet been established, which raises further concerns among developers regarding the potential costs of implementing the necessary solutions. It is therefore crucial to propose design strategies that not only mitigate potential expenses but also serve residents in their everyday lives – not solely in times of crisis. This article presents architectural solutions that have been in use for years in other countries, original design proposals, and cost-benefit analyses aimed at enhancing civil protection in multi-family residential buildings. This study responds to the vital needs of Polish society in the face of emerging threats – both from armed conflict and from increasingly severe climate change and extreme weather events.