UPWr students secure second places in SPAK competition for best theses

The SPAK competition highlights the most innovative and inspiring diploma theses in the field of landscape architecture. Among the laureates were Wanda Ziętek and Mateusz Bartczak from UPWr.

Biophilic office for Zone IT

Wanda Ziętek won second place in the engineering thesis category for her project of the office interior for "Zone IT" Sp. z o.o. in Wrocław. Her work, titled "Arrangement of the office interior for Zone IT Sp. z o.o. in the biophilic design trend," aimed to improve the work atmosphere after the pandemic using biophilic elements. The project, inspired by the Polish coastal landscape, brought the natural character of the Baltic Sea coast into the office space.

"The entire project focuses on vegetation, which is the primary tool for highlighting the coastal nature. Species mimicking the plant communities found along the Polish coast were introduced into the interior. The project's idea is based on manipulating human memory and associations through biophilic design stimuli. The scent of pine, the dominance of raw wood, wavy, irregular forms of furniture and pots, the simulation of walking on sandy, soft ground, visible wave patterns on living walls, the perceptible presence of water, and the surrounding vegetation – this multitude of accents creating a coastal atmosphere ensures that the interior is experienced with all senses," explains the laureate.

The "Zone IT" office project also stands out for its advanced approach to integrating nature with the workplace. Pots built into desk tops, a booth hidden among greenery, and a water tank with an herb garden dividing the dining and kitchen area perfectly illustrate the biophilia concept, which integrates nature with human daily life. The office space was designed to be not only functional for IT employees but also aesthetically pleasing and healthy for users.

Park along the Kasina River

Mateusz Bartczak was honored with second place in the master's thesis category for his design concept of a park along the Kasina River in Wrocław. His work emphasizes the importance of green-blue infrastructure, highlighting the role of small watercourses in urban ecosystems.

Mateusz's project involves creating a linear park "Kasina Banks," aimed at the river's renaturation and introducing a system for collecting and infiltrating rainwater. The author planned the development of the area extensively, introducing numerous native plantings, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing the visual appeal of the landscape.

The planned park will be a place for relaxation, walking, and cycling, offering residents access to greenery and nature. The project envisions phased implementation, facilitating the investment process. "Kasina Banks" has the potential to become an important element of the Muchobór Wielki district's identity, emphasizing the importance of greenery and water in the urban environment.

Mateusz Bartczak also won third place in this year's edition of the Wrocław Magnolia competition for his work on the design concept of the park along the Kasina River in Wrocław.

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  Four OPUS 26 Grants Awarded to UPWr

  In the current funding cycle, four projects associated with UPWr have been recognized for their scientific value and potential impact on industry and environmental protection. These projects, led by Dr. Adam Dobrowolski, Prof. Zbigniew Lazar, Dr. Tomasz Janek, and Prof. Joanna Szyda, have collectively received approximately 6 million PLN in funding.

• 

  Four OPUS 26 Grants Awarded to UPWr

  In the current funding cycle, four projects associated with UPWr have been recognized for their scientific value and potential impact on industry and environmental protection. These projects, led by Dr. Adam Dobrowolski, Prof. Zbigniew Lazar, Dr. Tomasz Janek, and Prof. Joanna Szyda, have collectively received approximately 6 million PLN in funding.