The main goal of the article is to show actions taken by the University of Warsaw in order to improve the quality of campus spaces, as well as to evaluate these actions. To gather information, the method research by design was used, because the author is an active participant of the planning process. The first part of the article describes the history and main features of three campuses – Centrum-Powiśle, Ochota and Służew – and the spatial ambitions of the university. Challenges facing higher education institutions are also presented. The second part of the article is intended to show the main tools and actions implemented to fulfil the ambition of the University of Warsaw. The main tool is a long-term investment program, co-financed by the government. It is a push factor for the university to rethink its spatial structure. Urban planning process is shown more specifically on the example of the Ochota Campus masterplan. In the third part of the article there is an assessment of activities carried out so far. It was found out that the long-term investment program is a good tool to increase the quality of campus space, it should, however, implement financing of public spaces as much as new buildings. It was also emphasized that the participation process should include neighbouring communities and not only people from the university. Finally, future perspectives of how campus spaces are going to change are presented.

 

Keywords: urbanism, campuses, masterplan, spatial planning, development strategy, University of Warsaw

 

The main goal of the article is to show actions taken by the University of Warsaw in order to improve the quality of campus spaces, as well as to evaluate these actions. To gather information, the method research by design was used, because the author is an active participant of the planning process. The first part of the article describes the history and main features of three campuses – Centrum-Powiśle, Ochota and Służew – and the spatial ambitions of the university. Challenges facing higher education institutions are also presented. The second part of the article is intended to show the main tools and actions implemented to fulfil the ambition of the University of Warsaw. The main tool is a long-term investment program, co-financed by the government. It is a push factor for the university to rethink its spatial structure. Urban planning process is shown more specifically on the example of the Ochota Campus masterplan. In the third part of the article there is an assessment of activities carried out so far. It was found out that the long-term investment program is a good tool to increase the quality of campus space, it should, however, implement financing of public spaces as much as new buildings. It was also emphasized that the participation process should include neighbouring communities and not only people from the university. Finally, future perspectives of how campus spaces are going to change are presented.