Summary of workshops in London | The Faculty of Architecture at the Gdańsk University of Technology

During the trip, students visited the latest architectural developments in London, which served as the starting point for creating their own projects. They also had the chance to visit the locations for their project assignments, with one of the highlights being a visit to Westminster City Hall. On the top floor of the building, with a breathtaking view of Buckingham Palace, the group was hosted by Dr. Agnieszka Zimnicka MRTPI, Head of City Planning Policy. Her innovative teaching approach through practice added a unique character to the entire venture.

The trip to London was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Vice-Rector for Education, Dr. hab. inż. Mariusz Kaczmarek, Prof. at the University, and the Dean’s College of the Faculty of Architecture, including the Dean, Prof. dr hab. inż. arch. Jakub Szczepański. Additionally, the project received funding through the IDUB AURUM project - 12/1/2022/IDUB/II.1a/Au. Thanks to these funds, students were able to participate in an international project that broadens their knowledge and develops their skills in the context of global urban challenges.

The project is carried out in collaboration with the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London (UCL) and the University of Westminster. One of the key partners is Dr. Michael Short from UCL, an expert in urban planning and spatial planning, whose knowledge and experience enrich the students' design work.

At Gdańsk University of Technology, the module is led by an interdisciplinary team of experts and practitioners, including Dr. hab. inż. arch. Justyna Martyniuk-Pęczek, Dr. hab. inż. arch. Elżbieta Piątkowska, Dr. inż. arch. Ksenia Piątkowska, Dr. inż. arch. Michał Leszczyński (Group 5 Architects), M.Sc. inż. arch. Marta Wojtkiewicz, and PhD candidates M.Sc. inż. arch. Adam Bladowski and M.Sc. inż. arch. Joanna Francuzik. This team focuses on developing students' practical skills and designing with the future of cities and global challenges in mind.

The goal of the module is not only to gain practical experience in an international academic and professional environment but also to respond to global urban challenges. Students work on visionary projects that could become innovative urban solutions for complex city conditions. The team-based research also forms the basis for scientific publications, which will be applied in practice.

We are currently in the semester, and the results of the students' work are looking very promising. This project is an excellent example of how education, research, and international cooperation can shape the future of cities. Next Monday, there will be a review of the works with guests from London. We are eagerly awaiting the next stages!

We invite you to follow the further activities and results of this innovative adventure.