What do we need Krakow for? Who is a modern Cracovian and what is his or her biggest problem? All this and more was discussed during the "Krakow Day", which is the prologue of the Open Eyes Economy Summit.
This year's prologue was held at the KTO theater (designed by Aleksander Janicki and Mariusz Twardowski) located in Krakow's Podgórze district. Theslogan of the event was "What do we need the city for?" a recording of the event is available on the OEES website [See here].
TheKrakow day began with a discussion of what ahealthy urban spaceis and what the idea of a healthy city is in the context of theNew European Bauhaus. During the discussion, the topic of theWesola neighborhood came up again and again.This shows that we still need a conversation about Wesola.
From left: Sandra Sitek-Juranek, Anna Maria Trawinska, Piotr Chuchacz, Anna Maj, Alek Janicki
photo by Wiktor Bochenek
The prologue was accompanied by the presentation of a unique publication - the report "Urban Change in Central Europe: The Case ofKrakow" (Routledge Publishing House), edited by Professor Jacek Purchla,who, together with Rafał Matyja, summarized what prompted the need to write about Krakow in the context of changes that have been made and those that should come if we want to think about the city in a modern and relevant way to contemporary challenges.
Professor Jacek Purchla
photo Piotr Malec
Then Professor Jacek Purchla, in ashort speech, outlined the place of Krakow on the map of Poland, touched on theapproach of centrism and why metropolises have not become locomotives of development. This provided an introduction to how Krakow's aspirations as a metropolis are shapingup,also outlining the place of universitiesin the city's development.
What is today's local government, in what direction should it evolve and what problems should it respond to? Why do we need a local government capable of internal transformation and what should it consist of? The main focus was on why local governments must not turn into open-air museums. Why they must still be open to solving old and newproblems. No matter how much the government decides to still throw on the shoulders of this institution .
From left: Łukasz Franek, Nina Gabryś, Ewa Całus, Krzysztof Głuc, Stanisław Mazur
Photo: Piotr Malec
Krakow bo asts of beinga city of culture. It is sometimes hard not to get the impression that it boasts about theway it is perceived. This is another issuethat was raised during the Prologue, drawing attention to how perceptions of Krakow influence thinking about the city and its reception. WhatdoesKrakowlook likethrough theeyes ofPolish residents? Perhaps precisely not as colorful and boastful as we would like?
The collective consciousnessis now being enticedbyan idea of similar magnitude - theNew City, tobe located in Rybitwy. The project,which is being developed by the City Hall, has come under criticism, from flawed design assumptions, lack of idea for the idea located there and failure to create an offer for futureresidents. Beautiful visuals are no substitute for common sense. Whenitcomestonew cities, perhaps it's worth being more...especially when it comes to investments worth up to hundreds ofmillions of zlotys. "Krakow's Manhattan" certainly needs to be discussed again.
From left: Janusz Sepioł, Paweł Hałat, Rafał Matyja, Piotr Legerski, Małgorzata Tomczak
Photo: Piotr Malec
Acitythat does not attract newresidents is doomed to stagnation. Who are thenew townsfolk? It is difficult to answer unequivocally. Certainly, the boundaries of who modern Cracovians are do not coincide with administrative boundaries, and the discussion of this closed the Cracovian day.
summarizing
What isKrakow 2022, and what should it be? "Krakow Day" should knock thecity 's administrators, local government officialsand activistsout of their partial admiration for what has been accomplished in Krakow, because as the speakers pointed out, the number of challenges facing the city is not diminishing at all .
We invite you to watch the discussions, which are now available on the OEES website - See here.
During the prologue, we heard Prof. Stanisław Mazur - Rector of UEK, Prof. Rafał Matyja - UEK lecturer who publishes in A&B, Nina Gabryś - Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Krakow for Equal Treatment. Nina Gabryś - Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Krakow for Equal Treatment, Robert Piaskowski - Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of Krakow for Cultural Affairs, Janusz Sepioł - Architect of the City of Rzeszów, Piotr Legerski - President of the Association of Home and Apartment Builders, Małgorzata Tomczak - Editor of Architektura&Biznes, Paweł Hałat - urban activist, Piotr Chuchacz - president of the Małopolska Regional Chamber of Architects, Daria Gosek-Popiołek - member of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland, and Tomasz Janowski - member of the program council and moderator of Krakow Day.
