Architecture, and in particular its creation, should be an act of imagination, responsibility and respect for place, people and history. This idea gave rise to a program entitled Architectural Education, implemented by the Archinovo Foundation in cooperation with the Małopolska Regional Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland. This project is aimed at elementary and secondary school students of Tatra County. It aims to develop spatial and architectural awareness in one of the most beautiful, yet most threatened by chaotic development regions of Poland.
The educational program, carried out under this project from September 2025 to June 2026 in schools supervised by the Tatra Poviat, includes a series of four two-hour thematic blocks, both in the winter and summer semesters. The entire event will culminate in a gala and exhibition of works by participating students - a celebration of youth creativity.
The program formula combines presentations, discussions, brainstorming and field workshops. Participants learn about the built-up space of Podhale, local investments, learn to "read space", recognize its values and critically analyze urban problems. The goals are ambitious: building cultural identity, developing creativity, promoting social awareness and shaping communication and technical competencies.
- Małgorzata Mrugała-Dziadkowiec, students of the Władysław Zamoyski Hotel and Tourism School Complex during workshop exercises
photo: Archinovo
The Archinovo Foundation project, implemented with the financial support of the Malopolska Region and in cooperation with partners: Małopolska Regional Chamber of Architects of Poland, Tatra Museum and Witkacy Atelier, has a chance to become the beginning of a long-term change. The honorary patronages of the Marshal of the Malopolska Region Łukasz Smółka, the Starost of Tatrzański Andrzej Skupień and the Rector of the Academy of Applied Sciences in Nowy Targ Dr. Bianka Godlewska-Dzioboń, underline the importance of the initiative, which can inspire further educational activities in the region.
The Archinovo Foundation's educational activities are based on the "Shaping Space" program, which has been adapted to local needs and expanded to include aspects of regional identity and Podtatrze architecture, taking into account local cultural and landscape heritage.
- Students of the Dr. Władysław Matlakowski Building School Complex during the workshop exercise "What is a composition"
photo: Archinovo
The program entitled Architectural Education is part of a broader educational movement in Poland, gaining increasing importance both locally and globally. National initiatives in this area are coordinated by the ADE (Architecture for Education) platform, run by the National Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning (NIAiU). ADE collects teaching materials, creates a database of individuals and institutions involved in architectural education, and supports the development of programs that shape the spatial and cultural awareness of society.
Importantly, general architectural education is also present in the international debate, where its role in shaping informed citizens capable of thinking critically about the space around them and the impact of architecture on the quality of life is emphasized.
Agata Bentkowska, Malgorzata Mrugala-Dziadkowiec
photo: Archinovo
Architecture accompanies us throughout our lives - from a child's room, which gives us a sense of security, to everyday choices about where to live, work or study. It is not only buildings, but also courtyards, squares and streets that create the scenery of our lives. Architectural awareness is not a luxury - it's a necessity. It is a respect for history, tradition and the people who created it.
Krystyna Styrna-Bartkowicz
Agata Bentkowska
Malgorzata Mrugala-Dziadkowiec
