Guide to Student Scientific Clubs at UPWr's newest faculty, WGPiAK

Landscape Architecture Student Scientific Club (SKN Architektury Krajobrazu)

As Karolina Kelner, the chair of the Landscape Architecture Student Scientific Club, explains, its members work in many areas. – Landscape architecture involves much more than planting trees and designing gardens. We focus on initiatives that bring people closer to nature. We want to spread this crucial idea, especially in times of climate change and widespread urbanization – says Karolina, emphasizing that this academic year looks promising for the club. – We are returning to full activity after almost two years of the pandemic. It wasn’t an easy time, but we learned more than ever how much green spaces, birds singing outside the window, or the scent of lilacs mean to a person forced to stay home. We are coming back with fresh ideas and enthusiasm because we believe we can change our world for the better – she adds.

One of the most notable projects by the Landscape Architecture Student Scientific Club was designing a flowerbed for preschoolers and creating the "EduGarden" community garden at a school in Wrocław, in collaboration with the PUZZLE Student Scientific Club. This project was carried out as part of the "Foodshift" initiative and was awarded in the 3rd edition of the Student Activity Fund, organized by the Wrocław Academic Center. A grant of 5,000 PLN was allocated for its realization.

– We’ve also completed our first Odra riverbank cleanup and are planning another soon. Additionally, we actively promote our work online and this year, we intend to embark on scientific research – says Karolina.

PUZZLE Spatial Planning Student Scientific Club (SKN Planowania Przestrzennego PUZZLE)

As mentioned, the PUZZLE Student Scientific Club was also involved in the creation of "EduGarden." – Collaboration between the two clubs was important, but it was mainly the school community that co-created the project with us, discussing their needs and the concept of urban gardens – says Nicola Stanisławska, chair of the PUZZLE Student Scientific Club, which focuses on projects related to transforming urban landscapes.

Another social garden project the club worked on is "GreenInclusion." – The project was similar, but we collaborated with a different social group—residents of a Social Welfare Home – explains Nicola. Additionally, since March last year, the club’s members have been conducting workshops for preschoolers about plants and their role in the landscape. – All our projects allow us to learn how to work with local communities of different ages and to understand various perspectives on cities and landscapes – Nicola adds.

According to Nicola Stanisławska, the PUZZLE Student Scientific Club brings together people with diverse interests. While primarily focusing on spatial issues, the club also explores and connects topics like economics, architecture, urban planning, transportation, ecology, cultural landscapes, and sociology. – It’s worth noting that our club is not just about academia — we attend conferences and workshops, and work on various projects. But apart from scientific activities, we also enjoy spending time together over coffee, meals, or hiking trips – encourages Nicola.