We have settled the fourth edition of the "Best Interior Design Diploma" competition for the best student diploma. The competition included bachelor's, engineering and master's theses defended in 2022-2024. Among the projects nominated for the finals and published in the pages of A&B, we awarded four theses. We awarded the first prize to Martina Jaworska, the second prize to Marta Kaluska, and the third prize to Lukasz Wolniak . We also decided to award one honorable mention, which was won by Aleksandra Swiąder. The Audience Award , selected by online voting, was won by Natalia Najmowicz, winning the highest number of votes from our male and female readers.
1st Prize, proj.: Martyna Jaworska
© Martyna Jaworska
First Prize - revitalization of the Gubin Parish Church
We awarded thefirst prize to the master's thesis by Martyna Jaworska - "Project for the revitalization of the Gubin Parish Church". The thesis was executed under the supervision of Dr. Radoslaw Skalski and defended in 2023 at the Faculty of Interior Design of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw [see A&B 01|24].
The award-winning work is a project to transform a Gothic cathedral into a multifunctional cultural center, the main idea of which is a dialogue between the past and the present. The author proposes the creation of a "utilitarian ruin" in which architecture and nature coexist in harmony - inside the cathedral are placed, among other things, a library, seminar rooms, exhibition space, and a small gastronomy, while the space remains partially open to the influence of nature. The design refers to the historical significance of the building and its original sacred function, while preserving aspects of natural "ruinism" and using modern architectural solutions, such as a glass roof. In this way, the cathedral becomes a symbolic place combining spiritual and cultural values, open to the local community and accessible to tourists and visitors.
1st Prize, proj.: Martyna Jaworska
© Martyna Jaworska
We awarded Martyna Jaworska's work for creating a space with the potential to be a "third place"-an open, integrative environment, conducive to meetings and exchange of ideas. The author respectfully approached the historic structure of the Gothic cathedral, creating aesthetically pleasing and functional interiors that harmonize with the surrounding nature. Her design is distinguished by its subtlety - it retains elements of "ruin" and natural intrusions into the architecture. An important element of the work is also the thoughtful revitalization of the square around the parish, allowing the area to gain new value as a social and cultural meeting place, responding to the needs of the local community and visitors to the city.
1st Prize, proj.: Martyna Jaworska
© Martyna Jaworska
Second Prize - simulation of space flight
The second prize went to Marta Kalucka for her master's thesis - "SAME SKY. An object for immanent experience". The thesis was made under the supervision of Professor Andrzej Wachowicz and defended in 2023 at the Faculty of Design Arts of the Academy of Fine Arts in Lodz [see A&B 09|24].
Second Prize, proj.: Marta Kalucka
© Marta Kalucka
SAME SKY is a conceptual space that simulates the experience of space travel, designed so that visitors can experience the overview effect - the deeply emotional and ecstatic experience of observing the Earth from space that astronauts experience. Located in a desolate location in Ireland, the facility invites visitors on a slow, reflective journey through a tunnel, a spiral ramp and displays, preparing them for the all-important experience under a dome displaying an image of Earth as seen from space. This multimedia installation encourages contemplation, offering a unique, deeply moving contact with nature, Earth and our planetary identity.
Second Prize, proj.: Marta Kalucka
© Marta Kalucka
We appreciated the project for its bold, experimental and deeply immersive concept. Marta Kalucka's work impresses with its bold form, emphasizing the content of the exhibition, allowing visitors to experience an extraordinary experience, akin to a cosmic perspective. SAME SKY interacts with various senses, creating a multi-dimensional, experiential experience - from visual impressions of the Earth as seen from space to the physical and emotional sensations of exploring unearthly space.
Second Prize, proj.: Marta Kalucka
© Marta Kalucka
Third Prize - funeral space in the building of the Old Syropiarnia.
The third prize, for creating a space that approaches the emotions of the loved ones of the deceased with respect, responding to their various needs, went to Lukasz Wolniak, author of the master's thesis defended in 2023- "Interior, where I meet death. The design of the funerary space of the built-in Syropiarnia in Lubon" [see A&B e-publication 02|24].The diploma was prepared under the supervision of Dr. Natalia Kliśko-Walczak prof. UAP at the Faculty of Interior Design, University of Arts in Poznań.
Third Prize, proj.: Lukasz Wolniak
© Lukasz Wolniak
The funeral space in the Old Syropiarnia in Luboń is a place of remembrance and reflection, combining architecture with natural surroundings and elements alluding to the symbolism of passing. The building is designed with spaces for meditation, conversation and expression of emotions, creating a space of solace for those who have lost loved ones. We appreciate the symbolic placement of the tree in the center - as a metaphor for life and passing - and the subtle approach, avoiding references to a specific religion, but creating a universal place of reflection for all.
Third Prize, proj.: Lukasz Wolniak
© Lukasz Wolniak
honorable mention - poetic pavilion
We awarded a distinction to Aleksandra Świąder 's bachelor's thesis- "Poetry Pavilion", prepared under the supervision of Prof. Maciej Świtała at the Faculty of Interior Design of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk [see A&B e-publication 05|24].The Poetry Paviliondedicated to Wisława Szymborska at the Gdansk Shakespeare Theater was designed as a space for reflection on the Nobel Prize winner's work. The minimalist structure made of natural materials, equipped with interactive elements, allows visitors to make physical contact with Szymborska's poetry and become emotionally involved in her literary world.
Honorable mention, design: Aleksandra Świąder
© Aleksandra Świąder
We awarded the work for its use of the challenging space of the Shakespeare Theater and the use of anthracite brick, which covers the walls of the theater. In addition, we appreciated the haptic character of the part presenting Wislawa Szymborska's works, inviting interaction and exploration of the Nobel Prize winner's work.
Honorable mention, design: Aleksandra Świąder
© Aleksandra Świąder
audience award
From October 4 to November 5 this year, A&B readers and readers could vote for the Audience Award, choosing their favorite graduation project. The winner was Natalia Najmowicz 's undergraduate thesis - "Arab Cultural Center" from the Sopot Academy of Applied Sciences, prepared under the direction of dry Emilia Rolka, receiving 751 votes [see A&B 07-08|24]. The author created a concept for an educational and cultural space, located in the Oliwa district of Gdansk, to serve integration and strengthen intercultural dialogue.
Honorable mention, proj.: Aleksandra Świąder
© Aleksandra Świąder
Second place went to Paulina Grosicka 's master's thesis - "Meeting. Community as a basis for identity formation in the architecture of a small city" with 540 votes, and third place went to Pola Chelbecka' s thesis - "Farnsworth House - a contemporary interpretation of the classics" with 355 votes. Full voting results can be found at this link.
Honorable mention, proj.: Aleksandra Świąder
© Aleksandra Swiąder
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Congratulations to all the finalists and finalists of the competition, whose works we published in the past academic year in the pages of A&B magazine and portal. The winners of the fourth edition will receive diplomas and subscriptions to A&B magazine from us.
The next edition of the Best Interior Design Diploma competition has already started - all male and female students, graduates and graduates of interior architecture and design majors from 2023-2025 are invited to participate. We would also like to remind you about the second category of the competition - Best ARCHITECTURE Diploma, gathering the best projects in the field of architecture.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Illustrations: © Authors | A&B archives
The jury was attended by A&B editors Małgorzata Tomczak (editor-in-chief),
OlaKloc, Katarzyna Szostak and Przemysław Ciępka.
Aleksandra Skorupa was the secretary of the competition.