#Artistic Education in Poland_Faculties of Architecture.
Where to study architecture in Poland? Which university to choose? We ask students and young graduates of Polish universities about what studying in this field is like - what works, what is a challenge, and what would be worth improving. Aleksandra Boszke told us about how studying architecture at Gdansk University of Technology.
Aleksandra BOSZKE - a student of architecture at the Gdansk University of Technology. She honed her architectural skills during an Erasmus+ exchange in Madrid at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) and Universidade Lusófona in Lisbon. Thanks to these extraordinary adventures, she is open to new cultures and inspirations that constantly influence her approach to design. She is convinced that good architecture is one that can meet the needs of future users, combining functionality and aesthetics, and also takes into account the challenges of climate change. Involved in non-academic activities, she has won architecture competitions such as Architecture Student Contest 2025, Saint-Gobain. Organizer of cultural and educational events. Member of the Association of Polish Architects, Wybrzeże Branch, and the Scientific Circle Educator of Architecture.
Architectural engineering studies at Gdansk University of Technology last eight semesters. A lot is required of candidates - in order to get into this field of study, it is necessary to pass an exam in drawing and a test of aptitude for the architectural profession, which makes it possible for people who are really interested in this path, and have basic skills and awareness of the profession, to get into the studies.
The first semesters of study are preparatory and introductory. Their goal is to comprehensively develop creativity and gradually familiarize students with the language of architecture. The program includes, among other things, painting studio, sculpture, architectural drawing, drafting geometry and mathematics, which builds a solid foundation both artistically and analytically. This is a time of intensive exploration of one's own predispositions and ways of spatial thinking.
From the third semester onward, architectural and urban design becomes the most important subject , present until the end of the studies. At the beginning of each semester it is possible to choose a design department, so students can gradually direct their interests: from environmental design, to waterfront spaces, to public architecture. The didactic process is well thought out: we start with small buildings and small architectural elements, then design single-family houses, before moving on to more complex designs over time.
The curriculum also includes many technical subjects and demanding theoretical courses, such as the history of Polish architecture. It is this aspect that clearly distinguishes Gdansk University of Technology from many Western European universities - the emphasis on construction, detail, technology and the reality of solutions makes graduates well prepared to enter the job market. This is confirmed by the seventh semester, dedicated to mandatory internships in architectural offices, which often become the first real step in the profession.
Scientific circles and architectural competitions carried out with the support of lecturers are also an important part of academic life. They provide opportunities for development outside the curriculum and teach independent design skills. At Gdansk University of Technology there is an efficiently functioning
also the Erasmus system, which allows contact with the international environment. After returning from exchanges in Spain and Portugal, I particularly appreciated the solid technical preparation of Gdansk University of Technology. I also noticed that the university could benefit by introducing more interdisciplinary or practical classes, bringing together students from different majors and universities. Nevertheless, I believe that Gdansk University of Technology prepares very well for the architectural profession - it teaches responsibility, precision and technical awareness, which are crucial in design practice today.
Aleksandra BOSZKE
more: A&B 2/2026 - Education,
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