New European Bauhause: Transforming Spaces and Communities
The New European Bauhaus in Katowice: Transforming Spaces and Communities
On November 21, 2024, Katowice hosted a conference on the New European Bauhaus, organized as part of the "We Transition Silesia" campaign by the Marshal's Office of the Silesian Voivodeship. The event brought together experts, activists, architects, and local community representatives to explore how the values of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) can shape the future of sustainable development in post-industrial regions.
Inspiring Talks and Discussions
The conference featured a range of engaging speakers. Natalia Gnoińska, an architect and finalist of the New European Bauhaus Prizes, shared her vision for sustainable conservation and cultural heritage regeneration. Łucja Zawadzka, Deputy Director of Development at the Museum of Coal Mining in Zabrze, spoke about balancing industrial heritage preservation with ecological innovation. Renowned journalist and photo-reporter Filip Springer concluded the event with a lecture emphasizing architecture’s role in building harmonious human-environment relationships while reducing its carbon footprint.
Picobello Project
During the conference, Barbara Szafir, Deputy Director of the Department of Regional Development and Transformation at the Marshal's Office of the Silesian Voivodeship, presented the Picobello project. Although one of many initiatives discussed, it stood out as a practical example of implementing NEB principles.
Picobello, developed in collaboration with partners from Spain, Greece, France, Latvia, and Finland, focuses on improving residents' quality of life through sustainable development and co-created local solutions. Szafir highlighted how Picobello reflects NEB's core values: beauty, sustainability, and inclusivity. Key initiatives include revitalizing urban spaces, establishing local activity hubs, and promoting ecological education.
A Shared Future with NEB
The Katowice conference, held under the "We Transition Silesia" campaign, demonstrated the transformative potential of the New European Bauhaus for industrial regions. Discussions revealed how combining aesthetics, sustainability, and social inclusion can inspire meaningful change and offer a practical framework for regional development.
Events like this underscore the importance of aligning local initiatives with European goals, paving the way for a sustainable, inclusive, and beautiful future for communities across Europe.