"But it's nice here!" How often do you find yourself saying this while walking around the suburbs of Polish cities? It is a well-known fact - tastes are not discussed, but there are certain standards that realistically affect our well-being, sense of security, ability to orient ourselves or desire to spend time in given spaces. The question of the role of aesthetics in shaping them therefore becomes not only topical, but also strategic.
partners
On February 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m., we will meet on the ARCHI-STRADA stage at BUDMA International Construction Fair in Poznań during a debate organized by A&B with the participation of architects and urban planners under the theme "Aestheticization of architecture and urban spaces. What will the future of Polish cities look like?". Why are we asking precisely about the role of aesthetics?
This is a topic that returns to the industry today more often than market forecasts. Because whether we are talking about an apartment, an office or a public space, one thing is certain: appearance has ceased to be an ornament. It has become a tool for building value and one of the main factors that determine the perception of a place. We also want to answer the question: when does the visual layer of architecture realistically enhance the design and urban space, and when does it become just a superficial decoration, bringing no functional or urban value?
- says Malgorzata Tomczak, editor-in-chief of A&B, who will lead the February debate.
With whom will we meet at BUDMA? The debate will feature:
Przemo Łukasik
Przemo Łukasik
Photo: Szymon Król
archiect, partner at the Medusa Group studio. He gained professional experience in Paris in the studios of such architectural icons as Jean Nouvel and Odile Decq. Winner of the SARP Honorary Award, he is the author of esteemed and award-winning projects, including the Akademeia Highschool or Nobu Hotel in Warsaw,.KTW in Katowice or the Wave office building in Gdansk.
Karol Nieradka
Karol Nieradka
photo: Sylwia Gudaczewska
Architect, founder of maxberg studio and president of the Szczecin branch of SARP, Chairman of the Municipal Urban Planning and Architectural Commission at the President of the City of Szczecin. Author of many office and residential buildings, including the Baltic Apartments in Swinoujscie, appreciated by the jury of the International Architecture Awards 2024.
Prof. Agata Twardoch
Agata Twardoch
Photo: Magda Kryjak
Urban planner of the City of Gliwice, researcher and one of the most important experts in Poland in the field of housing and city structure. A professor in the Department of Urban and Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology, she is the author of the books "System for Housing - Prospects for the Development of Accessible Housing" and "Female Architects. Will women design better cities".
Michal Lorbiecki
Michal Lorbiecki
photo made available thanks to Michal Lorbiecki
Urban planner of the City of Chorzow, doctor of economics and finance, expert on sustainable development and urban planning. Co-author of key city documents, including the City Development Strategy and Mobility Policy. He actively popularizes knowledge about urban planning, space and mobility - also outside institutions, on social media as @urbanomist.
The debate will be preceded by an authorial lecture by Przemo Lukasik. You are welcome!
