Piotr Setkowicz
Przestrzeń Urbanistyka Architektura, Volume 2/2017, 2017, pp. 341-352
https://doi.org/10.4467/00000000PUA.17.044.7225Krakow and its inhabitants are characterized by both the awakened metropolitan aspirations, as well as fears and strivings which can be ascribed rather to the communities inhabiting medium and even small-sized urban centers. The pride derived from the status of one of the leading academic centers is not always accompanied by an interest in, and even less so, a belief in the opinion expressed by the academic authorities. The declarations of city authorities concerning the creation of a climate which promotes investment, are frequently being contradicted by numerous enunciations of Krakow citizens, in which terms, such as “businessman” or “developer” are meant to sound as offensive epithets. An authentic increase of the importance of social consultations accompanying the process of planning as well as a thorough evaluation of the realized projects is opposed by a specific “culture of escalation of conflicts”. What plays a significant role in stoking up these antagonisms are, among others, the internet discussion forums and the local media which not infrequently contradict their conciliatory mission. The case of Krakow does not appear to be an exception; that is why, the conclusions concerning the decrease of similar mental barriers may turn out to be useful also to other urban centers.
Piotr Setkowicz
Technical Transactions, Architecture Issue 9-A (15) 2015, 2015, pp. 319-324
In an era of ever more perfect digital tools, the ability to draw is no longer regarded as necessary in the execution of the architectural profession. Yet it is precisely the hand drawing that continues to be regarded as the irreplaceable instrument of creative intuition which surpasses even the most user-friendly “procedures”. A rediscovery of its advantages for both didactic purposes and architectural creativity is becoming an urgent need.
Piotr Setkowicz
Technical Transactions, Architecture Issue 4-A (4) 2015, 2015, pp. 213-218
https://doi.org/10.4467/2353737XCT.15.303.4706Three tendencies which go far beyond the narrowly understood technological issues seem to currently coexist in contemporary architectural practice. Some architects continue to regard hand drawing as being of primary importance at all stages of professional education as well as of the actual design process. Others, relying on the sensitivity and knowledge developed by their own personal experience with drawing, have accepted new technologies – perceiving the computer as an additional useful tool. At the same time the number of architects and students of architecture, for whom the era which preceded the information revolution constitutes a very distant past and the “analog” methods of imaging are pure exoticism, is continually on the increase. Trying to convince the skeptical representatives of the generation which has from the very beginning been shaped by digital media of the numerous benefits which can be derived from hand drawing – no doubt constitutes a fascinating challenge.
Piotr Setkowicz
Przestrzeń Urbanistyka Architektura, Volume 2/2018, 2018, pp. 177-185
https://doi.org/10.4467/00000000PUA.18.033.9535“This is where I want to live. Krakow 2030” – such is the title of the new City Development Strategy adopted on the 7th February 2018; the title is to underscore the highly pluralistic character of the new strategy. Nearly simultaneously (on the 24th January 2018) the Krakow City Council had reached a decision concerning its participation in the drawing up of the other key documents relating to the planning policy of the metropolis, namely: the new Study of the conditionings and directions in spatial planning. The latter initiative, which precedes the implementation of the resolutions of the Urban Building Code, undertaken in the election year (of both city councilors and city mayor), may arouse numerous controversies. What image of the Krakow metropolis will ultimately emerge?