In response to last year's floods that hit Poland, those studying at Akademia Techniczno-Artystyczna Nauk Stosowanych w Warszawie (ATA) created designs for comprehensive urban planning concepts for two particularly vulnerable towns: Głuchołazy and Kłodzko. The subject was coordinated by Piotr Kalbarczyk.
The starting point for the projects was the real destruction, as well as the need for responsible and forward-thinking urban planning in the context of climate change
- describe the instructors.
How to protect the city from the elements?
Glucholazy, located in southwestern Poland near Opole, was hit by flooding in September 2024. The damage it did to the city's infrastructure is estimated at up to more than a billion zlotys. Bridges were destroyed, four schools, the spa park and many private homes were flooded, especially along Andersa and Jana Pawla II streets.
integration wall - visualization
design: Krystian Obiala, Agnieszka Grzelecka
In response to the threat of flooding, Krystian Obiala and Agnieszka Grzelecka proposed creating an urban integration wall. The wall would not only perform the function of protection against flooding through water niches, slowing down the flow of water. It would also become a thoroughfare, as well as a gallery of murals.
existing condition and proposed solutions - sketches
proj. by Agata Mróz, Kinga Parfliniak and Malgorzata Kolodziej
In the work of Agata Mróz, Kinga Parfliniak and Malgorzata Kolodziej, the main solutions involved deepening the existing channel and strengthening the bank fortifications of the Starynka Stream in Glucholazy. The authors also proposed the construction of a polder channel and a polder functioning as a public space or park. Water-absorbing plants should grow on its banks.
Permeability, biodiversity and retention
Maciej Maraszek and Wiktoria Kurek undertook an analysis of the Spa Park in Glucholazy. In their project, the key issue is the connection between the historic center of the city and the Park. The authors also pointed out the need to improve accessibility and expand pedestrian and bicycle connections. Their analysis concluded that among the main causes of flooding in Glucholazy is its proximity to the catchment area of the mountainous Biała Glucholaska River.
existing state and proposed solutions
proj.: Maciej Maraszek and Wiktoria Kurek
Among their recommendations was a combination of parks, forests and green spaces for biodiversity preservation, as well as replacing traditional pavements with permeable ones. The project also included a modern bicycle rental complex, equipped with an underground retention tank.
Bike rental and repair facility with retention tank, sketch
proj.: Maciej Maraszek and Wiktoria Kurek
conservation and recreation in one
Jagoda Korzeniowska and Julia Malinowska noticed an excessive number of parking lots in Glucholazy. That's why they proposed transforming at least one of them into a space that is friendly and works against flooding, for example in the form of a park. Its permeable surface would allow for better water retention and improve the quality of the local ecosystem.
Retention reservoir with recreational function
proj.: Jagoda Korzeniowska, Julia Malinowska
Another solution proposed by the students is to create a retention reservoir, which will not only increase the efficiency of rainwater management, but can also serve as a place for recreation and education. Places for sports services are planned in its vicinity. This type of reservoir also provides a solution to the problem of overloaded stormwater drains. In addition, located near a forest, it can become a habitat for many plant and animal species.
diagram of the area flooded in 2024.
proj.: Kinga Mazurek and Urszula Zielińska
draft of proposed solutions
proj.: Kinga Mazurek and Urszula Zielińska
A similar concept was proposed by Kinga Mazurek and Urszula Zielińska, whose work included two new retention and recreation ponds. In order to create them, they would need to place two ponds damming water on the Mlynowka canal. Their assumptions also apply to the area around the sports stadium, where the construction or reinforcement of dikes could be integrated with running tracks.
The students' work was supported by an analysis of developments and sites, as well as official documents such as the local development plan or resolutions. They, too, require formal changes, concerning, for example, restrictions on development in areas particularly at risk of flooding.
Such a comprehensive approach to urban areas, especially those located in areas particularly vulnerable to climate change, is essential for maintaining the safety and comfort of any residents, human and otherwise, in the face of the coming years.
As part of the subject, the second group of students undertook an analysis of the town of Klodzko.
