Prologue: Kraków Day, a side event of the Open Eyes Economy Summit congress, was held today, November 15. The prologue was titled "Urban Scene. We Overexpose the City" and was held hybrid - stationary in the Malopolska Garden of Art in Krakow and online.
we screen the city
The block of debates was titled "Urban Scene . We screen the city, " and the discussionsfocused on modern opportunities and challenges facing contemporary cities. The debates touched on the development prospects of large urban centers, the way they are managed, modern tools and technologies to better develop them, as well as the planning of common space and environmental protection.
The event was organized by the Foundation for Economy and Public Administration. The host city was Krakow, and it was hosted by Malgorzata Tomczak - editor-in-chief of Architektura & Biznes and Tomasz Jankowski - member of the OEES Program Council.
An additional event accompanying the congress is FOPA, the Festival of Open Architectural Studios, organized by the Architektura & Biznes monthly magazine and portal, during which you can take a look at the work of the most interesting architectural studios in Poland. The event is open and no registration is required. We invite you to the next installments on November 19 and 24! You can find more information here.
report "Generations - solidarity in development".
The Krakow day began with the presentation of the report "Generations - Solidarity in Development" by Professor Agnieszka Chłoń-Domińczak, Professor Jerzy Hausner and President of the Batory Foundation, Edwin Bendyk. The report addresses the issue of demography in Poland, its impact on education, the economy and inter-and intra-generational relations.
From left: Jerzy Hausner, Agnieszka Chłoń-Domińczak, Edwin Bendyk
Photo: Lubomir Nikolov
As Professor Chłoń-Domińczak stated, there is a lot of talk about demography in the context of a catastrophe - these changes are not catastrophic, but they are inexorable - pointing to the biggest problems related to demography in Poland. Also those related to health, education, labor force participation and quality of life. In addition to presenting the most important data and information on the problems raised, the report tries to find solutions that could be used in the future. Professor Hausner pointed out the paths of utopia and dystopia, which are not ideal schemes to be implemented, but paths to be followed. "The conclusions are clear. The question is whatwe do with them, " said Edwin Bendyk.
the city as public domain
The next panel focused on the potential of cities, in the context of what is happening in Krakow, to what extent is it a modern city, and as a major center, does it have a development plan, or is it only temporarily modernizing?
Andrzej Kulig, deputy mayor of Krakow, pointed to the decentralization of the city's development. He stressed the impossibility of satisfying all residents. Professor Rafał Matyja assessed the role of Krakow as a city that underestimates its scale, pointing out the symbolism that is important to Poles. The speaker also stressed that in thinking about the history of Krakow we forget about the difficult period of the People's Republic of Poland, a heritage necessary in thinking about the city.
From left: Rafał Matyja, Paulina Wilk, Tomasz Janowski, Andrzej Kulig, Krzysztof Görlich, Małgorzata Tomczak
Photo: Lubomir Nikolov
Writer Paulina Wil k talked about leaving part of the urban space undefined, one that can always be developed later. She also wished Krakow to follow the path of development of cities like Copenhagen. Krzysztof Görlich, former vice mayor of Krakow, pointed out the self-creating nature of the city as an entity, which often disagrees with the primacy of planning. He also described social activism as an element of direct democracy, taking part in governance.
How to design a city?
The next panel focused on the question of what a good urban space is and what it should consist of. The issue of public consultation and its role was also raised. How should changes in the city be designed? The moderator of the discussion was Marek Balawajder.
"A good space is one that is used by the residents." - pointed out Jerzy Muzyk, Deputy Mayor of the City of Krakow. He also stressed the role of the diversity of residents' needs and expressed hope that the revitalization in the vicinity of Wesola Street will be a success. The president of the Blisko Foundation, Joanna Erbel, pointed to consultation fatigue by people who are being killed by the number of such meetings. The speaker said that in the case of Wesola, the best solution before a major investment would be prototyping, in which various ideas could be tested.
from left: Łukasz Pancewicz, Stanisław Mazur, Jerzy Muzyk, Marek Balawajder, Joanna Erbel
Photo: Lubomir Nikolov
Urban planner Lukasz Pancewicz stressed that the study of space cannot be limited to consultation. He cited doing surveys at the antique exchange as an example. He also pointed out the need to create conditions for change in order to overcome fears arising from the ignorance of many people. The rector of the Cracow University of Economics, Stanislaw Mazur, emphasized the impact of generational changes on the shaping of space. The speaker pointed out that a sizable number of residents do not actively work for certain solutions, because their life situation does not allow them to do so. This does not mean that they are not interested.
generation city - creating a meeting place
The next panel addressed the issue of creating meeting places. What should be the places available to city residents, what will attract people and how to use this to support society?
Professor Tomasz Szlendak pointed out the need for diversity, as well as coming to terms with the fact that many aspects will be misunderstood. Renowned culinary journalist Robert Makłowicz cited the cultural festival from Spoleto, which proved to be an excellent solution for stimulating local development. He also pointed out that Krakow's brand exists, but still needs support and development.
From left: Malgorzata Tomczak, Agnieszka Staniszewska-Mól, Robert Maklowicz, Nina Gabrys, Tomasz Szlendak, Tomasz Janowski
Photo: Lubomir Nikolov
Agnieszka Staniszewska-Mól, representing Krakow libraries, talked about the institution of libraries as a city-forming element. She stressed her desire to organize events at the new branch on Wesola Street, once new institutions and residents arrive there. Nina Gabryś, Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of the City of Cracow for Equality Policy, stressed the need to create an inclusive offer for residents, one that resonates in shared space.
colors of the city - green in the city
The next panel focused on the place of greenery in the public debate. How we allow green spaces to be created, what they should look like, who should create them, how much they should cost, and whether urban greenery is a field of cooperation or conflict.
The first to speak was Joanna Rayss, representing the Landscape Architecture Association. She cautioned against talking about greenery, not greenness. She emphasized looking at greenery through the prism of biodiversity and ecological functionality. About the fact that these areas should not only serve people, but also nature. Architect Bartlomiej Kisielewski stressed the need for local governments and cities to support them. He pointed out that often competitions should not be based solely on the financial criterion, as this can bring lamentable results.
from left: Malgorzata Tomczak, Bartlomiej Kisielewski, Marta Zalewska, Joanna Rayss, Piotr Kempf, Tomasz Janowski
photo by Lubomir Nikolov
Director of the Municipal Greenery Board, Piotr Kempf, referring to the issue raised by Kisielewski and discussion moderator Malgorzata Tomczak, reminded of accountability to residents for public spending. He tried to argue his point by saying that often final architectural designs are unfeasible due to cost or blocked by the preservationist. He pointed out the need to find the golden mean, to create spaces that are feasible, creative and yet financially possible. Marta Zalewska, partner relations manager at InPost, talked about the Green City program. She emphasized the need to develop electromobility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and introduce green accents into the urban landscape.
e-polis - technology and urban development
The final panel discussion focused on the problems and opportunities associated with technological development from the perspective of cities. How the quality of life of residents can be improved through technology.
The panel was opened by Agnieszka Pocztowska, General Manager of Shell Business Operations Krakow, who talked primarily about what remote work has changed - with its advantages and disadvantages. She also stated that the use of modern applications would allow public offices and institutions to improve their services. Marta Wójcicka, Allegro's Delivery Methods Promotion expert, spoke next. She pointed out that the quality of technological services depends primarily on how they are introduced, and that digital solutions should not become the only way to do certain things.
From left: Malgorzata Tomczak, Magdalena Sroka, Agnieszka Pocztowska, Marta Wójcicka, Alek Janicki, Tomasz Janowski
photo by Lubomir Nikolov
Magdalena Sroka, CEO of Alvernia Planet talked primarily about the experience of digital opportunities from the perspective of using virtual reality. Alek Janicki, CEO of AYA Fund, in turn, talked about the possibilities of engaging a wider range of people through technology. He also highlighted the possibilities of combining virtual reality with real reality from the perspective of his artistic experience.
end of the prologue
TheKrakow day ended with a special session under the auspices of the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, under the title " The Artist Changes the City" and a discussion "Debate with Wyspianski. What the Master's thoughts tell us about ourselves and our future".
Other events during the Open Eyes Economy Summit congress will be held November 16-17 at the ICE Krakow Congress Center. We invite you to participate in the congress, as well as in the accompanying Open Architecture Studio Festival!
Organizers, patronage and partners of FOPA 2021
Organizer
- Architecture & Business
Patronage of the event
- SARP Krakow Branch
FOPA 2021 partners
- Axalta - www.axalta.com
- Aqina - www.aqina.eu
- Bauder - www.bauder.pl
- CPG Europe - www.cpg-europe.com
- Dasag - www.dasag.pl
- Dyson - www.dyson.pl
- Ferro - www.ferro.pl
- Invest Komfort - www.investkomfort.pl
- King Klinker - www.kingklinker.pl
- AkzoNobel - www.akzonobel.com
- Paradyż Ceramics - www.paradyz.com
- Sto - www.sto.pl
- IGP - www.igp-powder.com
- SZANSA IT Services - www.zwcad.pl
