The Faculty of Architecture at Krakow University of Technology once again became a space for the exchange of ideas, research and inspiration at the Faculty Session of Scientific Circles 2025, held on May 13. This annual event, which is the vestibule of the University Session, attracted as many as 71 participants from 15 different scientific circles, presenting 28 papers. The session was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Magdalena Kozien-Wozniak, welcoming the students, tutors and jurors.
© Faculty of Architecture, Cracow University of Technology
The papers were divided into two categories: undergraduate and graduate students and doctoral students, which allowed for a broader spectrum of topics and research. From urban greenery and zero waste architecture to the future of recycling, astronomical tourism and sustainable design, the range of topics confirmed the great scientific potential of young architects.
best of the best - awarded and honored
First place in the undergraduate and graduate category went to the team from the Landscapes Scientific Circle - Oliwia Szadkowska, Karolina Zając and Tomasz Jaróg, for their work on assessing the condition of greenery in the historic center of Krakow. The jury appreciated the interdisciplinary approach to the protection of the cultural landscape.
The second place went to Maria Ulicka from the SKN History of Polish Architecture, whose project "Monasteria futurorum" examined the state of preservation of monasteries in Poland - combining historical research with reflection on the future of heritage.
© Faculty of Architecture, Cracow University of Technology
In third place was the SKN IMAGO team, which presented a concept for transforming a recycling station into a modern resource center - the project entitled "From Waste to Resources" combined environmental issues with innovative architectural form.
Among the awarded projects were a capsule of neuroatypical comfort (Scientific Circle of Recent Architecture), methods of tree protection in sustainable investments (SKN ARBORIS) or research on the Wilga River as an urban space (SKN Young Urbanism).
© Faculty of Architecture, Cracow University of Technology
PhD students with a vision for the future
In the doctoral category, first place was won by Zofia Czaplicka from the GROW Scientific Circle, presenting fascinating research on the impact of urban planning on the development of astronomical tourism in the Canary Islands.
Second place went to Somayeh Afshariazad, whose comparative analysis of Hamedan and Krakow shed light on the identity of historical spaces in different cultural circles.
not just a competition - a community of architecture enthusiasts
This year's session was not only a review of scientific papers, but also a proof of the important role that scientific circles play in academic life. Thanks to the commitment of students and the support of research supervisors, the Department of Architecture is building an experiential space where creativity meets research and courage meets responsibility.
Under the leadership of Dr. Farid Nassery, Acting Dean for Scientific Circles, and thanks to the work of the jury, the session has become a platform not only for competition, but above all for the exchange of ideas, mutual inspiration and strengthening of the community of young researchers.
© Faculty of Architecture, Cracow University of Technology
direction: the future
The Faculty Scientific Circles Session WA 2025 showed that young architects/architects not only have something to say, but also know how to convey it - in a reliable, innovative and responsible way. The future of architecture, sustainability and cultural heritage is being shaped today - precisely in such initiatives.
