Oliwia Blaszczak -
podcast #26 of the series "Foundations"
The episode and the entire series are also available on Soundcloud and Spotify:
In the latest episode of the "Foundations" podcast, we talk with Oliwia Blaszczak from the Faculty of Architecture at Poznan University of Technology, who takes us on an inspiring journey through a topic close to each of us - the role of architecture in building human relationships. How does a space affect whether we want to stay in it or escape from it as quickly as possible? Why do we feel comfortable and safe in some places, and alien and uncomfortable in others? Oliwia proves that the answer lies in design - in the way we shape our surroundings.
The castle courtyard in Poznan after reconstruction
© Oliwia Blaszczak
architecture and emotions
Oliwia looks at the city not only through the eyes of an architecture student, but also through the eyes of a careful observer of everyday life. She wonders how the proportions of buildings, the presence of nature, the scale of a street or the organization of traffic affect our mood.
As she says - Man feels best in spaces designed at a human scale.
It is such places - not overwhelming, full of greenery, accessible and friendly - that foster relationships.
The "third place" theory
The conversation also includes a reference to Rey Oldenburg's concept of three types of space: home, work and the so-called " third place " - that is, that public, informal meeting space. Cafes, squares, libraries or parks are places where spontaneous interactions and a sense of community are born. Oliwia Blaszczak gives an example from Poznan - the castle courtyard, which underwent a metamorphosis from a parking lot into a lively square with a café and greenery. This shows that clever design can revitalize a city and restore people's meeting space.
The castle courtyard in Poznan after reconstruction
© Oliwia Blaszczak
co-housing, co-living and the future of communities
Oliwia also touches on increasingly topical issues - co-housing and co-living, i.e. new models of habitation that place a premium on community, cooperation and neighborly ties. She cites the example of the Marmalade Lane housing development in Cambridge, where residents co-create space, use it together and manage it on a daily basis. It's an inspiration to think of architecture not as a collection of buildings, but as a network of relationships between people.
One thought runs throughout the podcast:Good architecture is not the one that impresses with its form, but the one in which one lives well. Oliwia Blaszczak reminds us that aesthetics and composition are important, but the true value of a project lies in its functionality and impact on people. Because architecture has the power not only to shape space, but also to connect people.
Aleksandra Skorupa
Maria Cipinska
Listen also to other podcasts
from the "Foundations" series:
20. Karol Mitręga on studying architecture in Kielce and designing with a mission
21 From studies to practice. Martyna Chudalewska on her first experiences as an architect
22. Alicja Kwiotkowska about studying architecture in Gliwice
23. Joanna Wojtaszek about her studies and Erasmus exchange in Portugal
