On March 5, 2025, the results were announced for the student competition titled “Functional and Spatial Development Study of the Green Areas Surrounding Winiary Lake in Gniezno.” The competition was organized by the City of Gniezno in collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture at Poznan University of Technology. Its objective was to develop a comprehensive vision for the revitalization of the lake's surroundings, aimed at improving the quality of public space and unlocking the recreational and sports potential of the area.
The green zone around Winiary Lake naturally complements the surrounding residential neighborhoods—Winiary to the north, and Ustronie and Tysiąclecie to the south. This valuable area, crucial for the city's residents, requires substantial remedial action. The student competition is expected to be the beginning of a positive transformation of this part of the city. The competition guidelines emphasized the need for multifunctionality and comprehensive planning. The main priorities included improving residents' quality of life, strengthening social bonds, and promoting forward-looking solutions with a 20–30-year horizon. Environmental concerns were also central, such as water retention, climate resilience, and proper green space maintenance during droughts.
A total of 47 projects were exhibited in Gniezno on March 5, 2025. The designs were created by third-year undergraduate students as part of the course Urban Design 2. The competition was coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Ewa Pruszewicz-Sipińska, Director of the Institute of Architecture and Heritage Conservation, and Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Borowski, Head of the Student Urban Design Competitions Project. The competition was held under the honorary patronage of the Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, Assoc. Prof. Agata Gawlak,
The competition jury included:
- Assoc. Prof. Arch. Tomasz Jastrząb – Chair
- Michał Powałowski – Mayor of Gniezno
- Joanna Śmigielska – First Deputy Mayor of Gniezno
- Agnieszka Pacanowska – Director of the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, City Hall of Gniezno
- Mgr Inż. Arch. Bogumił Haremza
- Assoc. Prof. Krzysztof Borowski.
After several hours of deliberations, the jury awarded:
First Prize
A. Jankowiak, T. Zioło
Their winning project proposed, among other ideas:
- Construction of footbridges over the lake connecting the Tysiąclecie and Winiary neighborhoods
- Redevelopment of the former military beach
- Separation of pedestrian and bicycle traffic
- Creation of recreational piers
Notably, the team was the only one to address the issue of sand erosion from heavy rains on the existing beach, proposing the construction of a retaining wall. The project was praised for its technical quality and thoroughness. - Second Prize
P. Gawrecka, M. Gajewski
This project stood out for its unconventional transit solutions, including elevated walkways over existing roads, formal consistency of architectural elements, and excellent integration with the natural landscape.
Third Prize
M. Michalczuk, K. Mikulska
Their concept featured an attractive functional program including a Hydropolis Pavilion combining entertainment and education, and a palm house.
Honorable Mentions
- N. Miszkiewicz, M. Mikołajczyk
- O. Kuberczak, S. Mazgiejko, W. Kilijanek
City authorities expressed great appreciation for the students' efforts and were positively surprised by the quality of the proposals. Many of the ideas presented are expected to influence future revitalization efforts for this important area of Gniezno. It’s worth noting that this is the second competition co-organized by the Gniezno City Hall and the Faculty of Architecture at PUT. Following the 2017 competition, several public spaces were successfully developed based on student work, including the Pojednania Valley and the square at the intersection of Lecha and Chrobrego Streets in front of the former Polonia cinema. On that occasion, students were later involved in preparing full professional design documentation.
Congratulations to all winners and participants. We wish you continued success in your academic and professional careers!
Faculty of Architecture
