#Artistic Education in Poland_Faculties of Architecture
How do Faculties of Architecture prepare students for the profession? What competencies should an architecture graduate have in 2030, and which elements of the curriculum need the most changes? We ask deans and deans of Architecture Faculties at Polish universities about this. Our questions were answered by Prof. Klara Czyńska, dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin.
Prof. Klara CZYÑSKA - architect, urban planner, professor at the University, dean of the Faculty of Architecture for the term 2024-2028. A graduate of the Szczecin University of Technology, she has worked at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin for twenty years. For several years she has been co-organizing art exhibitions, teaching and presenting professional achievements at the Forma Gallery of Architects (WA/ZUT). She is the organizer of workshops and promoter of dozens of urban planning diplomas awarded in national competitions. In 2013-2016 she was the manager of the "2TaLL" project funded by the Polish-Norwegian research program. Her research interests focus on urban landscape design especially in terms of assessing the impact of contemporary tall buildings. She is the leader or co-author of numerous urban studies, for many cities in Poland, including Szczecin, Warsaw, Gdansk, Katowice, Torun and Lublin. In these studies, she uses original methods of urban planning analysis based on the use of digital tools and a virtual model of the city.
How do you define the most important mission of your department in today's world of architecture?
The most important mission of the Faculty of Architecture at the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin is to educate architects who can create spaces that respond to the challenges of modern times, while taking into account the unique character of West Pomerania. Szczecin and the Baltic region are areas with a rich history, strong ties to water and greenery, and a rapidly developing infrastructure. We want our graduates to design space in a sustainable way, harmoniously combining cultural heritage with modern solutions.
What competencies should an architecture graduate in 2030 have - and how do you help develop them?
A graduate in 2030 should combine design skills with digital, environmental and social competencies, and must understand the specifics of design in coastal regions, including adaptation to climate change, landscape protection and revitalization of brownfields, so characteristic of Szczecin. In addition to digital competencies (BIM, AI), we develop skills to work in the context of port cities and naturally valuable areas, organizing, in cooperation with local government partners, design topics related to functional transformation of waterfronts, revitalization of public spaces and green areas.
Which elements of the curriculum do you consider key, and which need the most change today?
Architectural and urban design remain key, especially in the context of waterfront cities. The biggest changes relate to the ever-evolving architect's workbench, primarily new software. We are trying to increase the number of teaching hours dedicated to developing these skills. We also aim to create subjects that integrate a variety of issues and competencies: from urban planning, laws and principles of architectural and sculptural design to ecological, structural and installation issues.
How does the university combine the traditional workshop (drawing, mock-ups) with new technologies such as AI and BIM?
The traditional workshop is the foundation. We have drawing subjects in the program, and we also use physical mock-ups in the educational process. We teach students how to use digital technologies to analyze urban landscapes, design waterfronts, model public spaces. AI and BIM support design processes, allow us to simulate the impact of investments on the environment and the quality of life of residents.
How do you provide students with real contact with practice - architectural offices, construction sites, investors?
We cooperate with local architectural offices, local governments and institutions, implementing projects related to the revitalization of old town areas, riverside boulevards, port spaces and green areas. We organize apprenticeships, visits to construction sites and meetings with investors and administration representatives. We build relationships that result in workshops in unique places in our region and competitions for students.
What is the biggest challenge for architecture students today and how does the university support them in this?
The biggest challenge for architecture students today is to reconcile the growing demands of technology with creativity, as well as to meet the tasks of designing in the context of climate change, the functional and spatial transformation of cities, countering urban sprawl and improving the quality of life in urban space. The university supports students by providing access to state-of-the-art computer laboratories and a wealth of professional literature, collaboration with experts outside the university, and qualified staff who are constantly improving their competence in specialized software, BIM technology and artificial intelligence-based solutions.
How do you integrate sustainability and environmental responsibility into the curriculum?
Sustainability is one of the key elements of the architects' education program in Szczecin. Several subjects dedicated to these issues are included in the study plan. The topic of ecology appears both in the broad context of urban planning and spatial planning, as well as in courses on sustainable architectural design, which includes the use of environmentally friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions. Residence in architecture is also an important aspect. Classes are taught by qualified staff who develop these issues on a scientific basis, combining theory with practice and the latest trends in research
How does the university build relationships with business, local governments and community organizations?
The department actively cooperates with the authorities of the region's municipalities, carries out paid research activities and organizes workshops for students on public spaces, revitalization and development of tourism infrastructure - topics that are crucial for our partners. This allows students to have a real impact on the shaping of the space of Western Pomerania. We cooperate with the Marshal of the Voivodeship, the authorities of Szczecin, design offices, associations and the professional chamber. We organize training courses and guest lectures by experts from architectural firms and offices. Every year, awards are given by the Marshal of the Voivodeship for the best diploma, the beneficiaries of which are mainly our graduates, as well as awards from the District Chamber of Architects, the Society of Polish Urban Planners and the Association of Polish Architects.
prof. Klara CZYÑSKA
more: A&B 2/2026 - Education,
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