From 1 to 9 July, the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM) hosted the Summer School “Traces in the Landscape”, organised by the Department of Landscape Architecture as part of the ChallengeEU Alliance. The programme brought together students from three ChallengeEU partner universities: the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), and the University of Warmia and Mazury (UWM).
In Search of Traces in the Landscape
The staff of the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Warmia and Mazury invited students from ChallengeEU universities to explore the landscape as a palimpsest shaped by history, nature, and human activity. Participants developed their skills in identifying, interpreting, and preserving the cultural, natural and aesthetic values embedded in the environment. The Summer School programme was designed to address contemporary challenges, including climate change, the homogenisation of landscapes, and the disappearance of traditional settlement patterns.
Throughout the Summer School, academic staff from the Department of Landscape Architecture shared the teaching methods they use in their everyday academic practice.
“Our department places a strong emphasis on field-based analysis, which is why we decided to incorporate challenge-based learning into the programme. We also organised llandscape workshops in which students explored the subject in a less conventional way. They learned about architecture while also developing an understanding of the shapes, colours and textures that make up the landscape. In addition, participants experienced the landscape through sound and learned how to prepare graphic studies using traditional hand-drawing techniques,” explained Professor Agnieszka Jaszczak.
The opening session of the “Traces in the Landscape” summer school was held at the Municipal Office in Stawiguda. The Municipality of Stawiguda is an associated partner of the ChallengeEU Alliance.
The event was officially opened by Professor Jakub Sawicki, Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation at the University of Warmia and Mazury, Michał Kontraktowicz, Mayor of the Municipality of Stawiguda, and Professor Agnieszka Jaszczak.
Following the opening ceremony, the students began working on their first challenge: designing a logo for the Municipal Centre for Social Services, a local institution recently established through the transformation of the Municipal Social Welfare Centre.
included study visits to several locations across the region: the Łężany Palace, owned by the University of Warmia and Mazury; the Marian Sanctuary in Święta Lipka; the Bishops’ Castle in Lidzbark Warmiński; and the Museum of Folk Architecture – Ethnographic Park in Olsztynek.
Inspiration for the Future
Students who took part in the Summer School agreed that their time in Olsztyn was both enjoyable and enriching, giving them an opportunity to experience the landscape in a completely new way.
“I think it was an excellent opportunity not only to gain new knowledge but also to look at many issues from a different perspective. We had the chance tto learn from UWM lecturers and experience their distinctive teaching methods as well as to exchange ideas and experiences with students from other countries. All of this made the experience extremely valuable,” said Vincenzo Zuccerello from FHNW.
“It’s a place where you can relax while also meeting new people. I think that’s the most wonderful part of the experience. We often live in our own bubble, within our own country, but opportunities like this allow us to step outside of it,” added Kristiana Pabina from LBTU.
The Summer School also inspired a wealth of new ideas in Vanessa Grabkowska, a landscape architecture student at the University of Warmia and Mazury.
“Landscape architecture is a highly creative profession, and creativity depends on inspiration. That’s why I’m so grateful to have taken part in this Summer School. I’m sure that the experiences and ideas I’ve gained will influence my future projects,” said Vanessa.
Students from ChallengeEU universities will soon have another opportunity to expand their knowledge, develop new skills and strengthen international connections. Applications are currently open for the ChallengeEU Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) entitled “Regional Promotion and Development,” organised by the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Warmia and Mazury. Using the challenge-based learning approach, participants will work together to develop solutions that support the sustainable development of local communities and foster collaborative ecosystems.
More information and the application form are available on the ChallengeEU website.
Photos by Marta Wiśniewska and Department of Landscape Architecture
