Success of our students in the International Arturbain.fr 2024/25 Competition | The Faculty of Architecture at the Gdańsk University of Technology

With great pleasure and satisfaction, we announce that teams from the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology have won the Grand Prize and a prestigious distinction in the international competition Arturbain.fr 2024/25.

The competition, organized for 32 years by the French institution L'Art Urbain dans les Territoires, was dedicated this year to the theme “Habiter heureux dans les villes, bourgs et villages. Un sujet d'adaptation des programmes aux nouvelles données climatiques, économiques et sociales” (“Living happily in cities, towns, and villages: The challenge of adapting transformation programs to new climatic, economic, and social conditions.”)

The Grand Prize – Prix International was awarded for the project “La vie en Fjord” (“Life on the Fjord”) by Magdalena Stramska and Alicja Jackowska, prepared under the supervision of Dr. Eng. Arch. Izabela Burda and architect Jacek Józekowski.

In response to the diagnosed problem of social isolation in fjord villages, the concept proposed the transformation of the public space in the village of Tufto, Norway, by creating an open, intergenerational local center that fosters integration and provides spaces for social, educational, and cultural activities.
The design was based on principles of sustainable development, utilizing renewable energy sources and local building materials. Its high quality is demonstrated by a conscious reference to local heritage – Viking villages and the traditional wooden architecture of Bryggen in Bergen (UNESCO).
The skillful combination of tradition with modern social and environmental solutions allowed for the harmonious integration of the design into the fjord landscape, which was highly praised by the international jury.

A special distinction – MENTION RESPECT DE L'ENVIRONNEMENT, for care for the natural environment, was awarded to the project “Au confluent des rivières” (“At the Confluence of Rivers”), developed by Kalina Klas and Dominik Hinczewski, supervised by Prof. Dr. Hab. Eng. Arch. Lucyna Nyka and architect Jakub Gorzka.
This project, focused on the transformation of part of a district in Toruń, was recognized for its valuable spatial solutions, which comprehensively address contemporary urban, climatic, and social challenges, with particular emphasis on environmental aspects.

The award ceremony took place on June 25, 2025, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Ecological Transition (Ministère de la Transition Écologique) at La Défense in Paris. The event was attended by representatives of the competition’s partner institutions, distinguished guests, and delegates from many countries, highlighting the international prestige of the event.
The laureates had the opportunity to present their projects before a wide audience, providing an excellent opportunity to promote Gdańsk University of Technology.
The event also fostered the exchange of experiences and the establishment of new international contacts.

The presence of the student delegations and their mentors at the ceremony in Paris was made possible thanks to the support and commitment of the Faculty of Architecture's leadership, who have for many years fostered active participation in prestigious international events.

It is worth noting that out of the twelve projects qualified for the final of the competition, four were prepared by teams from Gdańsk University of Technology.

In addition to the awarded works, the final also included projects supervised by Izabela Burda and Jakub Gorzka:

• “Vivre au rythme du fleuve” (“Living to the Rhythm of the River”) by Aleksandra Pańczyk and Tomasz Urbański, and

• “Le bonheur est au bord de l'eau” (“Happiness by the Water”) by Wiktoria Szepeta and Stanisław Sudnowski.

This year’s achievements of our teams confirm the high quality of work by students and academic staff of the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology.
Gdańsk Tech has been participating in this prestigious competition continuously since 2006, thanks to the initiative of architect Janusz Gujski, whose long-standing commitment and passion have undoubtedly contributed to numerous international successes.
Participation in the competition provides students with valuable design experience, fosters the development of creative competencies, and enables the establishment of professional contacts that are an important foundation for future growth in the fields of architecture and urban planning.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all the laureates and everyone involved in this exceptional success!

The awarded projects can be viewed on the competition's official website.