On June 16-18, 2025, the final of the 20th anniversary edition of the international Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest will be held. Among the representatives of countries from five continents will also be two students from Poland - Aleksandra Boszke and Natasza Stężycka from the Faculty of Architecture at the Gdansk University of Technology. Their project "Piece by Piece. Step by step - according to nature", created under the supervision of dry Agnieszka Kurkowska, won first place in the national stage and impressed the jury with its maturity, precision and sensitivity to nature and the context of the place.
Wellbeing
© Aleksandra Boszke, Natalia Stężycka
architecture that breathes nature
The international Saint-Gobain Architecture Student Contest, held continuously for two decades, is one of the most prestigious and challenging student competitions in the world. Targeted at male and female architecture students from universities and colleges, it attracts around 1,300 participants from dozens of countries every year. The competition not only promotes innovative and sustainable approaches to design, but also offers young architects a real clash between their ideas and the expectations of industry experts and the challenges of the future.
Each year, the design task focuses on a different region - previous editions have included Paris, Warsaw, Lisbon and Helsinki. For the 2025 edition, participants focused on the Nord-Isère region of France, creating a concept for a new educational campus in Villefontaine and the revitalization of a historic school building in Chimilin. The goal: to create a design deeply rooted in the local context - natural, social and cultural - while looking boldly to the future.
The Architecture Student Contest is much more than a competition for prizes," explains Monika Mazurek-Skrzekowska, Saint-Gobain brand and communications manager in Poland, ASC Leader for Poland. - The contest is an extraordinary adventure that allows students not only to face a challenging design task, but also to develop realistically as future architects. Participation in it is both a chance to build a valuable portfolio already at the stage of studies, to go beyond the framework of the academic program and to prove oneself in an international environment - an experience highly valued by future employers. Also of great value is the opportunity to work in a team, present one's own ideas and hone argumentation skills - competencies that are essential in everyday professional practice. What really sets the Architecture Student Contest apart is the direct feedback from the Jury experts - both locally and internationally. Students have a chance to talk about their project and learn what deserved an award and what may need refinement, an invaluable experience that I think is lacking in other initiatives of this type.
Villefontaine axonometry
© Aleksandra Boszke, Natalia Stężycka
Polish team from Gdansk University of Technology
The winners in the national finals were Aleksandra Boszke and Natasza Stężycka from the Faculty of Architecture at the Gdansk University of Technology. Their project "Piece by Piece. Step by step - according to nature" won the highest recognition from the jury, which included Ewa P. Porębska, Agnieszka Kalinowska-Sołtys Marcin Szczelina and Dr. Dorota Bartosz from PLGBC.
The project combines two threads: a modern academic campus and the revitalization of the school - both solutions embedded in the strategy of sustainable development and integration of man and the ecosystem. It is no coincidence that the title refers to the idea of "step-by-step" change. - Every design decision, from the choice of materials to the shaping of the space, resulted from deep analysis and reflection.
dorm
© Aleksandra Boszke, Natalia Stężycka
What is "Piece by Piece" about?
It's a project in which we transform space step by step, making sure that the development of architecture goes hand in hand with care for the environment, the authors say.
The new campus in Villefontaine is a complex, modular structure oriented around the idea of an "academic village." It features work and study spaces, laboratories, dormitories, gardens, recreational and research areas - all designed to coexist with nature. The buildings are energy efficient, using local materials such as CLT wood and rammed earth, and the entire system works with renewable energy sources and water retention solutions.
The Chimilin school revitalization project, on the other hand, involves transforming it into an open community center. With flexible interior solutions and integration with nature, the space can serve a variety of functions: from educational to integrative to recreational.
The project is also distinguished by biophilic solutions - ecological wooden modules serve not only people, but also support local flora and fauna. The campus features beehives, flower meadows, gardens and feeders - the space is lively, adaptable, designed "for all users."
lab
© Aleksandra Boszke, Natalia Stężycka
"in accordance with nature" - responsible architecture
The authors emphasize that "in accordance with nature" for them means more than green roofs and solar panels.
It is a design that does not aggressively interfere with the landscape, but tries to coexist with it. Respect for local ecosystems, natural materials, light, water and the identity of the place - this is key for us.
The design was based on environmental, architectural and social analysis of the region. The team took into account climatic conditions, wind directions, cultural conditions and community needs.
Architecture should adapt to change and be aware of its impact. Only then can it create spaces that are truly valuable and sustainable.
common spaces
© Aleksandra Boszke, Natalia Stężycka
a team that works together
When asked about the collaboration, Ola and Natasha unanimously answer:
Collaboration gave our project something that neither of us could have achieved alone. Natasha had more technical experience, Ola - more graphically and environmentally sensitive. We complemented each other. There were decisions that we took a long time and made together. But it was then that the project gained depth and personal character.
Their cooperation was based not only on sharing responsibilities, but also on trust, friendship and shared values.
We tested every design decision by asking: would we like to spend time in this space? - they add.
effective water management
© Aleksandra Boszke, Natalia Stężycka
The future: conscious and responsible
Participation in the competition was also an important step in professional development for the two designers.
It was a time of learning - not only creative work, but also gaining technical knowledge: about the carbon footprint, energy efficiency, RES systems. These experiences will stay with us for a long time.
Both are finishing their master's degrees and are already thinking about their next steps. They are looking for a workplace that shares their approach - architecture that is responsible, contextual, socially and environmentally sensitive.
Asked if they approach architecture idealistically, they answer without hesitation:
Definitely yes. We believe that architecture can change the world - within the limits of market realities, of course, but still with a mission.
pro-environmental solutions
© Aleksandra Boszke, Natalia Stężycka
Lyon - the next step "piece by piece"
The final in Lyon will not only be the next stage of the competition struggle, but also a chance to meet architects from around the world, exchange experiences and present their vision on an international stage.
Regardless of the results, Aleksandra Boszke and Natasha Stężycka are already winners - they have created a project that speaks volumes about what the architecture of tomorrow should look like: sensitive, conscious, integrated with nature and socially responsible. Piece by piece - they are building the future.
