Honorable mention (ex aequo)

category: theoretical master thesis
5 000 PLN

author
Magdalena Wolska

Title
"Walking and what next? Evaluation of the recreational program of squares in the Śródmieście district of Warsaw"

university
Faculty of Construction and Environmental Engineering, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW).

promoter
dr inż. arch. krajobrazu Kinga Kimic

Jury's opinion

The submitted work describes the theory and practice of arranging urban squares on the example of Warsaw's Downtown. At its core is the conviction that greenery in the city is an increasingly important aspect affecting the lives of residents and has been increasingly present in recent decades in the theory of architecture and urban planning, but also in the local public debate. The jury appreciated the way the author moves among theories of green spaces in cities, as well as the concept of green corridors, trail systems and recreational areas, wrapping cities with green seams. The work summarizes in a very expedient way the important aspects of public open spaces, their impact on the health of residents, the sense of security, the ides of the 15-minute city, and the economics of social spaces. The value of the work is the theoretical treatment of green spaces not only as large park assumptions, but also intimate realizations that permeate the urban fabric and are numerous additions to the urban greenery of large cities. A great advantage of the work is the evocation of various traditions of shaping and arranging social areas. The jury also appreciated the field research, conducted on 64 squares in the Śródmieście district of Warsaw. Based on the theoretical part, the author evaluated their program offerings, and created recommendations for individual sites.