Podlaskie Voivodeship, in cooperation with SARP Bialystok Branch , organizes a competition for the development of the author's architectural and construction concept of the building XYLOPOLIS - Center for Art and Science of Wood in Hajnówka.

The competition is a realization, unlimited, one-stage competition.

The designed facility should become a leading, unique center of discourse and innovation, which sets directions in thinking about wood as a key element of the history of civilization and a sustainable future. It is envisioned that the mission of the designed facility will be to promote the idea of a deep human relationship with wood - as a civilizational asset - through inspiring experiences of nature, culture and technology. In this regard, the XYLOPOLIS facility should become a center for experience, research and discussion - a multifunctional platform that will respond to the diverse needs and motivations of a wide range of audiences, including fragmentary visits.

It should be a modern, innovative, energy-efficient, safe and user-friendly facility. In terms of functional, architectural, structural and installation solutions, it should refer to the best examples of contemporary architectural facilities with functions in the field of culture, education and exhibition. Its main part will be a multi-faceted permanent exhibition, constituting a universal story about wood - a carrier of life, matter, culture, spirituality and innovation, the purpose of which will be to show the inseparable relations between nature and culture, between science and art, tradition and technology, illustrating how wood has accompanied the development of civilization from its beginnings to biotechnology.

Recreation areas should be provided around the building, with the possibility of organizing an outdoor exhibition. The land development concept should make it possible to combine elements of the permanent and outdoor exhibition, and the development of the building's exterior should be perceived as a natural extension of the permanent exhibition. The developed site development concept should take into account the possibility of organizing, among other things, open-air sculpture workshops, wood fairs and other outdoor events. It should ensure full accessibility of the site for people with disabilities and other groups requiring special conditions (e.g. families with children, the elderly), in accordance with the principles of universal design.

For more information, see the competition regulations

prizes

• First Prize - PLN 35,000 gross and an invitation to negotiate a sole-source contract to award a service contract for the detailed design of the competition work
• II Prize - PLN 25,000 gross
• III Prize - PLN 10,000 gross
• two honorable mentions - PLN 5,000 gross

calendar

• Deadline for submitting requests for clarification of the competition regulations: until August 7, 2026
• Deadline for submission of competition entry and works in electronic form: until August 21, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
• Deadline for submission of works in physical form: until August 21, 2026, 6:00 pm
• Deadline for adjudication of the competition: by September 4, 2026
• Deadline for announcing the results of the competition: by September 11, 2026

the competition court

• Maciej Kuryłowicz - chairman of the competition court, architect, SARP Warsaw Branch
• Janusz Robert Grycel - deputy chairman of the competition jury, architect, SARP Białystok Branch
• Waldemar Ludwik Jasiewicz - referee, architect, SARP Białystok Branch
• Dariusz Rybko - Podlaskie Voivodeship
• Łukasz Nazarko - architect, Podlaskie Voivodeship
• Piotr Glinka - XYLOPOLIS - Center for Art and Science of Wood

deputy competition judges:

• Piotr Trojniel - architect, SARP Białystok Branch
• Wojciech Lizurej - architect, SARP Białymstok Branch

competition secretary:

• Marta Baum - secretary of the competition, architect, SARP Branch Białystok
• Katarzyna Baum - assistant secretary of the competition