From Gliwice to Horsens - about technical, sustainable and flexible architecture. Erasmus through the eyes of Magdalena Majsak

Ola Skorupa

13 of June '25

Podcast "Foundations"

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Magdalena Majsak -
podcast #8 of the series "Foundations"

The episode and the entire series are also available on Soundcloud and Spotify:

In the eighth episode of the "Foundations" podcast, we talk to Magdalena Majsak - a master's student of architecture at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, who recalls her exchange as part of the Erasmus+ program at VIA University College in Horsens, Denmark. With great openness and sincerity, she shares her experiences from her stay in Scandinavia - both educational and personal. She talks about the differences in the teaching system, the approach to architecture, as well as daily life in Denmark and travel, which was an important part of the trip.

Denmark

Magdalena Majsak

Master's student of architecture at the Silesian University of Technology. The main areas of interest in her work are pro-environmental solutions and sustainable architecture. As a member of the Erasmus+ program, she had the opportunity to study in Denmark at VIA University College, which allowed her to look at design from a new perspective. She is a member of the design team that won the "Golden Mention" award in the international competition for the revitalization of Eliava Bazaar in Georgia organized by TerraViva Competitions.

Copenhagen

spontaneous start, conscious decision

Magdalena admits that the decision to go was spontaneous, but strongly anticipated. She learned about the enrollment from friends and almost immediately knew that she also wanted to go. She was interested in Denmark - a country known for its high quality of life, eco-friendly solutions and modern architecture.

I really wanted to go on such an exchange. I decided because I knew I would see a different approach to architecture - and I was not disappointed.

Unlike the rigid schedule in Poland, the Danish education system proved to be flexible and based on trust. Students had a great deal of freedom to organize their time, and the main emphasis was on self-reliance and responsibility.

The instructors treated us like grown-ups - they didn't force us to attend classes, what mattered was the end result.

The Danish university also placed great emphasis on sustainable construction and ecological design - not only in the layer of ideas, but also in law and technology. This was one of Magdalena's most important discoveries:

We had to count every brick, every material. This one design included everything: law, construction, detail. This was something I didn't know before.

Instead of several small projects, the students in Denmark carried out one comprehensive project to revitalize a residential building. It included both a formal layer, as well as collaboration with local residents and budgeting.

This way of working was new, challenging and extremely practical. Magdalena emphasizes that it gave her valuable professional competencies - both construction and social skills.

university

Between Copenhagen and Malmo - Erasmus as travel and integration

The trip to Denmark was not only about studying, but also about discovering the country and building relationships. Magdalena traveled with a group of close friends - together they visited Copenhagen, Malmö and smaller coastal towns as part of university tours.

We were able to explore all of Denmark, and meet people from all over Europe. There was a lot of integration and a sense of community.

What stays after Erasmus?

Better English, new design competencies, openness to life in another country, and confidence that architecture doesn't stop at one way of thinking - these are the most important things Magdalena takes with her from Erasmus.

This trip opened my eyes to the fact that I don't have to live only in Poland. Erasmus showed me a different perspective - both professionally and in life.

university

Magdalena Majsak is not slowing down - as a member of the design team, she won the "Golden Mention" in the international competition for the revitalization of Eliava Bazaar in Georgia, organized by TerraViva Competitions. Her experiences in Denmark undoubtedly influenced the way she sees design today - as a responsible, sustainable and dialogue-based process.