Interdisciplinary solutions for urban space. Krakow and academia join forces

On behalf of the City, the document was signed by Deputy Mayor Stanisław Mazur. The universities were represented by: Professor Marcin Kot (Vice-Dean for Cooperation and Projects at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Robotics, AGH University), Professor Joanna Kubicz (Vice-Rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków), Professor Andrzej Szarata (Rector of the Cracow University of Technology), Professor Piotr Jedynak (Rector of the Jagiellonian University), oraz Professor Roman Cieślak (Rector of SWPS University).

New Space is a project that combines technical, social, cultural, and artistic knowledge to create modern, functional, and resident-friendly urban spaces. The aim of the initiative is to seek interdisciplinary solutions that respond to the challenges of modern cities and improve the quality of life in Krakow. The cooperation between the City and universities paves the way to innovative ideas and sustainable development that combine aesthetics with practicality. New Space focusses on key issues such as developing public spaces or creating places conducive to social integration. One of the ambitious topics addressed by the initiative is the construction of a metro system in Krakow.

The parties to the agreement have declared to:

• cooperate under New Space in search of interdisciplinary project and research solutions supporting the construction of the Krakow metro
• undertake joint activities to inform Krakow residents about the metro construction process, promote its social and urban benefits, and encourage them to actively participate in consultations accompanying the investment
• create a forum for dialogue between the City and academia, fostering the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and good practices in the field of urban planning and design
• engage students and academic staff to develop spatial and functional concepts that combine technical, architectural, and social knowledge with the needs of the city
• take advantage of the results of the New Space workshops in the planning, concept, and consultation process related to the construction of the metro system, in particular by:
  • minimising acoustic conflicts and developing innovative solutions lowering noise and vibration levels
  • humanising the space by taking into account the social perception, aesthetics, and needs in the design phase of the investment
  • verifying social and functional concepts near planned metro stations
  • creating a bank of preliminary concepts, containing visualisations, analyses, and functional designs useful along the investment process
• spread the results of New Space by means of publications, exhibitions, and events promoting the idea of academia and the authorities co-shaping the city
• promote Krakow as a centre actively engaging academia in strategic urban projects, including the development of modern, sustainable transport and spatial solutions
• conduct further conversations conducive to further, deeper cooperation between the City and universities in the area of urban space development
• provide infrastructure and teaching support for the implementation of workshops.