Introducing speakers and panelists of the conference
Architecture of the Metropolis:
Gabriela Rembarz
Janet Askew
Dennis Pieprz
Ewa Maria Kuryłowicz
Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha
Jakub Mazur
Jakub Szlachetko
Janusz Sepioł
João Bento
Judith Ryser
Khalid Zakaria El Adli
Frank D’hondt
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz
Zuzana Ladzianska
Maciej Mąka
Magdalena Kozień-Woźniak
Marcin Woyciechowski
Michał Glaser
Paweł Majkusiak
Markus Hedorfer
Remigijus Šimašius
Sławomir Gzell
Sofia Morgado
Szymon Wojciechowski
Bartosz Kaźmierczak
Aleksander Orłowski
Agnieszka Zając
Piotr Lorens
Tomasz Mikołaj Konior
dr Gabriela Rembarz
Architect, urban planner, academics teacher, researcher and active designer. Adjunct at the Architecture Faculty, Gdansk University of Technology. Studied in architecture and urban design in Gdańsk, Stuttgart and Warsaw, SPURS Fellow 2012 at the DUSP MIT Massachusetts Institute of Technology, member of the German Academy for Urban and Regional Spatial Planning (DASL).
The Head of the Urban Planning Department (2005-20) in the renowned Polish infrastructure planning company BPBK SA in Gdańsk, she was co-authored of number of interdisciplinary large-scale plans, the implementation of which significantly influenced the development of the Gdańsk-Sopot-Gdynia metropolis. The most important co-authored projects include multi-criteria interdisciplinary feasibility studies of the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway - for the first railway line built in Poland after 1989 and hailed in 2015 as the Pomeranian investment of the last 25 years.
In 2011, the BPBK SA design team under her lead won the main prize in the architectural competition for the concept of 8 stations on the first line of the PKM. In 2024 she received the Prof. Wiesław Gruszkowski Award from TUP Gdańsk for a significant contribution to the development of the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway project.
prof. Janet Askew
Janet Askew is a chartered town planner from the UK, immediate Past President of the European Council of Spatial Planners, and former President of the Royal Town Planning Institute (UK). She represents the ECTP-CEU on the World Economic Forum’s Davos Baukultur Alliance, which promotes sustainability across Europe. Over a long career she has worked in private and public practice and was the head of the Bristol School of Planning and Architecture. She currently holds a position of Visiting Professor of Planning Law at Ulster University in Northern Ireland, having also been a visiting professor in two Taiwanese universities, as well as contributing to the professional entry programme for planners in Singapore. Janet Askew frequently lectures and contributes keynote speeches on planning matters at conferences in Europe and China. She is a member of the International Platform of Experts in Planning Law; and an advisor to the German ARL to whose most recent book on ‘Land Policy in Europe’ she has contributed. She is a former chair of the United Kingdom Built Environment Advisory Group (UKBEAG), originally set up to build capacity in the built environment professions in areas of humanitarian and natural disaster, during which time she addressed the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.
Dennis Pieprz
Dennis plays a key role in the planning and urban design practice of Sasaki. His 35 years of both national and international experience encompass diverse project types including urban districts, new communities, campus environments, waterfronts, and urban regeneration. He approaches his urban design work collaboratively, integrating landscape, planning, and architecture with a critical understanding of the forces that shape contemporary cities.
Educated at the Harvard Graduate School of Design (Master of Architecture in Urban Design, with Distinction, Thesis Prize) and the University of Toronto School of Architecture (Bachelor of Architecture, with Honors, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Medal), Dennis speaks regularly at conferences and academic institutions and has participated on several international design competition juries. At the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Dennis has taught in the Professional Development program and co-led a studio focused on the Boston Innovation District. Recently he taught the Elements of Urban Design Studio.
Dennis leads remarkable teams that have been honored with more than 80 design awards, including national recognition from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), The PLAN, etc. Dennis has been inducted as an honorary member of ASLA—a title bestowed upon only a handful of professionals nationwide. Dennis also served as the president of Sasaki from 2004 until 2011.
Dennis is one of 12 leading urban design practitioners interviewed for the book, ‘Designing Change’ by Eric Firley, published by the Dutch publishing group NAI in 2019.
prof. Ewa Maria Kuryłowicz
A graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology, where she also pursued her doctorate (PhD, 1982) and habilitation (DSc, 1997). She obtained her professional design qualifications in 1990 and was awarded the title of professor in 2014. She has supervised over 120 theses, 12 doctoral dissertations, and reviewed numerous scientific works. Author of books: "Universal Design. Making the Environment Accessible to People with Disabilities" (1st ed. CEBRON, Warsaw, 1996; 2nd ed. Integration, Warsaw, 2005), co-author (with Stefan Kuryłowicz) of "Passion and Pragmatism. Man, Architecture, Freedom" (Trygon, 2010), "The Human Dimension of Architecture. Theory for Practice" (NIAiU, Warsaw, 2024), co-author (with Piotr Kuczyński and Karolina Czumaj) of chapter "Sustainable Smart Cold Living Habitats – Lesson from Antarctica for other Earth Locations in the Light of Climate Crisis" in "The Routledge Companion to Smart Design Thinking in Architecture & Urbanism. For a Sustainable Living Planet" (ed. M. Kanaani, Routledge, 2024).
She has contributed to other publications, including a chapter in the monograph "Architecture as a Subject of Research" (ed. B. Jałowiecki, Scholar, Warsaw, 2008) and numerous articles in journals such as "Architektura - murator" and "Architecture & Business." She initiated the Architect's Library series published by Murator. She was awarded the SARP Honorary Award in 2021.
Between 2000-2008, she was Director of the “Spiritual Places” Working Program of the International Union of Architects (UIA) based in Paris. She served as a universal design expert at the Architects’ Council of Europe (2005-2008) and has been a member of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning of the Polish Academy of Sciences, as well as a juror for POLITYKA’s Scientific Award. She has received numerous professional awards, including Accessibility Leader in 2022.
She has participated in numerous architectural competitions (in teams with APA Kuryłowicz & Associates), receiving awards for projects such as the European Parliament building in Brussels (2017), Gdańsk City Heritage Center (honorable mention, 2012), Polish History Museum (honorable mention, 2009), University of Warsaw teaching building at Dobra Street (1st prize, 2006), Wrocław Concert Hall (1st prize, 2005), as well as awards in the Life in Architecture and Polish Cement competitions.
Since 2011, she has been the chief designer at Kuryłowicz & Associates, co-authoring completed and ongoing projects, including the H. Arctowski Antarctic Station Pavilion (2024, under construction), Naturia Housing Estate in Toruń (2022), Nordic Bemowo Housing Estate in Warsaw (2023), Faculty of Languages Building at the University of Warsaw (2021), the National Forum of Music in Wrocław, Wolf Marszałkowska-Żurawia office building in Warsaw (2010), and many others.
prof. Hangwelani Hope Magidimisha
Prof. Hope Magidimisha holds the distinction of being the first black South African woman to achieve the prestigious rank of full professor in town and regional planning. Her research interest focuses on the climate change, inclusive cities, smart cities, urban renewal and urban morphology amongst others Among her many accomplishments, Prof. Magidimisha s research excellence is exemplified by her significant achievements, such as being recognized as the youngest South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) Chair for Inclusive Cities at UKZN. Additionally, she is serving as a National Planning Commissioner appointed by the president of SA, a member of the International Society of City and Regional Planners (ISOCARP) Scientific Committee, Alternate Chair for the South African Council for Planners, and a member of the KZN Planning Tribunal, among other notable roles. Prof. Magidimisha-Chipungu's dedication to advancing knowledge in her field is evidenced by her position as a senior editor for the prestigious journal on Climate Interaction, published by Tylor and Francis.
Jakub Mazur
Graduate of the University of Economics (former the Academy of Economics) in Wrocław from 1995 to 2000 and University of Wrocław, Faculty of Law and Administration, forum 1997 to 2002. Participant in numerous training courses.
He has 25 years of experience in business: companies from various economic sectors, corporate and strategic consulting, company creation, including start-ups, entrepreneur and promoter. Successfully introduced business entities to the Stock Exchange. His areas of expertise include: IT, spatial planning, urban planning, energy, advertising, marketing strategy, construction industry, foreign investments, B2B relations.
Co-creator of the success of the European Capital of Culture 2016 in Wrocław.
Deputy Mayor of Wrocław since 2018. Directly oversees the Department of Strategy and Sustainable Development. Representative of the city in national and international associations and institutions. Responsible for creating and implementing strategic documents for the city, agglomeration, and region with a perspective up to 2050. Member of international organizations, representing the city in international relations.
His operational scope includes city development strategy, environmental protection and agriculture, adaptation of urban space to climate change, economic development, energy projects, sustainable development, digitalization, supervision of key municipal companies, cooperation with strategic investors, investment projects, sustainable food system, key projects related to Wrocław's development.
President of METREX since 2021 - The Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas.
Member of the European Regional Executive Committee (RexCom) of ICLEI and Co-Chair of the Committee on Local Government Structure, Urban and Metropolitan Areas at the Joint Commission of the Government and Local Government.
prof. Jakub Szlachetko
Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law and Administration at the University of Gdańsk; Chair of the Board at the Metropolitan Institute; Managing Director and Attorney at "SZLACHETKO Consulting."
Jakub H. Szlachetko, who proudly emphasizes that he is a Gdańsk native "by birth and by choice," passionately dedicates himself to research on the structure of the state, the organization and functioning of public administration, and the participation of citizens, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations in performing public tasks. He is a graduate of three fields of study (law, administration, and spatial economy) but identifies primarily as a lawyer and adds that he is an "administrative law specialist."
He defended his doctoral dissertation at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Gdańsk and holds the position of assistant professor at the Faculty of Oceanography and Geography. His research and academic achievements have been recognized with awards, including the prestigious Jan Uphagen Award for Young Scientists from the City of Gdańsk. In his professional life, he strives to bridge theory and practice, which he believes creates a synergistic effect. To this end, a few years ago, he founded the Metropolitan Institute, an independent and non-governmental think tank. Alongside scientific research, this institute engages in applied and implementation activities, participates in shaping and conducting public policies, advocates for legal solutions justified by public interest, and creates discourse around socially significant topics. Thus, he considers himself somewhat of a social activist or urban advocate as well.
In addition, he is a practicing lawyer. For years, he has been deeply passionate about history, though he chose never to formally study it, out of respect for that passion (as he believes, "duty can kill even the most beautiful feeling!"). He also loves urban planning and architecture, often indulging in spontaneous, hours-long walks through the most beautiful (and other) urban districts—always with a strong black coffee in hand ("strong black coffee enhances perception"). Additionally, he enjoys running and hiking.
Janusz Sepioł
Architect, urban planner, and art historian. He graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Cracow University of Technology and studied art history at the Jagiellonian University. He worked as a designer at the Kraków Development Office (co-author of the general city plan) and later served as the Provincial Architect and director at the Office of Housing and Urban Development. From 1999, he held the position of Deputy Marshal, then Marshal of the Małopolska Region. He served as a senator for the 7th and 8th terms, was recently the City Architect of Rzeszów, and currently serves as the Chief Architect of Kraków. He has participated in numerous competitions and has served as a juror. He was the Chief Designer of two consecutive editions of the Małopolska Spatial Development Plan. He is the author of numerous professional and journalistic texts, ten books, and co-author and editor of several collective publications. Since 1990, he has been a member of the Social Committee for the Restoration of Monuments in Kraków and a member of the Association of Polish Architects (SARP), honored with the Association’s medal. He is the recipient of the J. Regulski Award. His hobby is drawing architecture.
dr João Bento
Architect and urbanist graduated from the Lisbon School of Architecture (2006). He was awarded a PhD in urbanism by the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London (2017), where he developed a thesis focused on the role and effectiveness of national architectural policies in the European Union.
Currently, João is a Research Fellow at the Lisbon School of Architecture developing the research project: "Soft-power in the governance of urban design: the role and impact of informal tools for improving spatial quality in cities across Europe".
From 2019-2021, João participated as a Research Fellow at the Bartlett School of Planning - UCL on the international research project URBAN MAESTRO, coordinated by UN-HABITAT together with the Bouwmeester Maitre Architecte (BMA) of Brussels, resulting in the recent publication “Urban Design Governance”, by UCL Press (2023).
João recently collaborated with the Architects' Council of Europe (ACE), where he published a study on Architectural Policies in Europe (2024). He is a policy expert on the European Commission ‘Living Spaces’ initiative, delivered by EUROCITIES. He has been a guest speaker in several international conferences across Europe.
Judith Ryser
Qualified as architect and urbanist with an MSc in social sciences, she is dedicating her cosmopolitan professional life towards a sustainable built environment. Her research, practice, writing, teaching, mentoring and reviewing, carried out in London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva (United Nations), Stockholm and Madrid is focusing on cities in the knowledge society. She served as ISOCARP Vice President, General Rapporteur (50th anniversary congress), editor and writer of many publications (“ISOCARP, 50 Years of Knowledge Creation and Sharing"; “International Manual of Planning Practice” with Teresa Franchini). She is on the editorial team of CORP (International Conference on Urban Planning and Regional Development in the Information Society), Silk-Cities.org and the Urban Design Group. Regarding Metropolitan Cities she worked on metropolitan Energy and Environmental strategies at the Greater London Council and UNECE, as Senior Adviser of Fundacion Metropoli writing and editing books on metropolitan projects, and contributed to Istanbul’s UN World Planning days, Peter Hall’s “URBAN 21- a global agenda for 21st century cities”, and the London and Wider South East Strategic Planning Network. Currently she is co-writing and editing a book on “Drivers of Urban Change: People’s Perspectives”.
prof. Khalid Zakaria El Adli
Former Governor of Giza, Principal Partner & Managing Director at EAG Consulting, Professor of Urban Planning and Design & Director of International Programs, Faculty of Urban & Regional Planning, Cairo University, Former Chairman of Heliopolis Housing & Development Co., Former President of the International Awards for Livable Communities, Former Vice President of the International Society of City & Regional Planners, Former Associate Dean and Chair, Faculty of Urban & Regional Planning, Cairo University.
Dr. El Adli brings extensive international expertise as an urbanist and academic, with over thirty-five years in global higher education, planning, as well as project and development management. He has received numerous honors and awards. His areas of expertise include Sustainable Planning and Design, Community Development, Urban Revitalization, Livable Cities, Tourism Planning, and Regionally Appropriate Architecture.
Known for his strategic thinking, recognized leadership, and exceptional design talent, Dr. El Adli is skilled in developing strategic plans, creating vibrant urban spaces, envisioning sustainable developments, and innovative designs for urban resilience, as well as empowering multidisciplinary teams to achieve set goals. His accomplishments include numerous successful, high-profile projects across the MENA and Gulf regions, Europe, and Asia.
As an expert in Sustainable Planning and Urban Placemaking, Dr. El Adli has published extensively, delivered keynote speeches, and conducted presentations aimed at improving public understanding of the importance of sustainable planning and design excellence. He has also served in various roles as an Expert, Chair, and Board Member for multiple national and international organizations.
Dr. El Adli is a referee for reputable peer-reviewed journals and a member of many prestigious international professional associations and civic societies.
Frank D’hondt
Frank is a founding member and director of the Territorial Capital Institute, a knowledge-based platform for the exchange of theory and practice on the topics of integrated spatial development and the creation of public spaces. In these activities, Frank draws on his experience with the New Urban Agenda and the International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning. Frank worked for 15 years in the European Union countries, where he mainly dealt with cross-border and transnational planning issues, and then for another 15 years outside the EU, including Kosovo, Palestine, Nepal, Afghanistan, the Arab Emirates, Kenya, Myanmar, China, Japan, the Caribbean region, East Timor, Gambia and Somalia. Frank specializes in national urban policy, metropolitan planning, post-conflict/disaster reconstruction planning and participatory conceptualization and creation of public spaces. With UN-Habitat, Frank published the book "Visioning as Participatory Planning Method" and drafted the manual "International Guidelines on Urban and Territorial Planning (IGUTP)".Frank has participated in several ISOCARP world congresses, co-organized UPATS in Gaza, Palestine and Whan, China, and collaborated in the preparation of the ISOCARP Review publication.
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz
Polish local authority official and lawyer. She graduated from the III High School in Gdansk. Studied law at the University of Gdansk and at the Paris Lodron University in Salzburg. She started gaining her experience at the side of Gdansk Mayor Pawel Adamowicz as his assistant. She participated in Gdansk's preparations for UEFA EURO 2012™. She took part in the creation of the European Solidarity Center. In March 2017, Gdansk Mayor Paweł Adamowicz entrusted her with the position of his deputy for economic policy. During the 2018 local elections, she was head of Pawel Adamowicz's "Everything for Gdansk" election staff. After a knifeman took the life of Mayor Pawel Adamowicz on January 13, 2019 during the GOCC finale, she accepted the duties of acting mayor of the City of Gdansk. In early elections, she was elected Mayor of the City of Gdansk. She serves as Vice President of the Council of the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Union of Polish Metropolises Foundation. A member of the European Committee of the Regions, she chairs the Ukraine Working Group.
dr Zuzana Ladzianska
Zuzana Ladzianska works at the Institute of Management STU as an researcher and professor teaching assistant, where from November 2022 she is also responsible for the PR activities of the entire institute. She completed her master studies at the Faculty of Architecture STU in the field of Architecture and Urbanism and her doctoral studies at the Institute of Management STU with her dissertation “Reflection of Demographic Changes in Spatial Planning of Slovakia”. She has repeatedly hosted at various foreign universities, in the period 2008-2010 she was part of the DLGS (at IOeR and TU Dresden) in Dresden, Germany. Within the CEEPUS, Socrates-Erasmus and Erasmus exchange programs she visited several universities such as TU Salzburg, AT, PG Gdansk, PL, CTU Prague, CZ, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, where she actively participated in the pedagogical process as well as in the scientific research activities.
She is an active member of the SPECTRA Center of Excellence research team at STU, in which she participates in solving various research tasks. In 2011 she became the holder of the grant “Program for the Support of Young Researchers STU: TerKa 2020 – Territorial Cohesion 2020 – Methodological Challenges for Spatial Planning”. As a researcher, she collaborated on more than 20 international and national projects, where she participated in the preparation of various international and national events in the form of summer schools, workshops or trainings (SPECTRA, SPA.CE-NET, ECLAS, AESOP, ISOCARP, LEPOB, IOP, etc.). So far, she has published more than 50 outputs, of which 16 are kept in WOS / Scopus databases whereas she is a co-author of three monographs.
Maciej Mąka
With over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing investments with a volume of over one million sq.m. A graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology and the MBA program at the French Institute of Management.
Since 1999, he has been a partner in the MĄKA.SOJKA.ARCHITEKCI design studio.
Over the course of over 25 years of existence, the studio has been awarded many times for its achievements in the field of architecture and urban planning. In his projects, he attaches particular importance to combining aesthetic values with high quality functional solutions and attention to detail. The projects coming out of the studio are a marriage of passion, experience and attentiveness, respecting the urban and historical context.
prof. Magdalena Kozień-Woźniak
Dean of the Faculty of Architecture and Chair of the Scientific Council for the Discipline of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Cracow University of Technology since 2021. Her research and creative work focus on the design of contemporary public buildings and the significance of cultural facilities for the quality of urban spaces. She is a member of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the International Federation for Theatre Research, the Council for Scientific Excellence (2019-2023 term), the Scientific Council of the Carpathian Euroregion Poland Association, and the Gdańsk Architecture Council, appointed by the Mayor of Gdańsk. In 2024, she was appointed by the Mayor of Kraków to the Scientific and Technical Council for the Construction of the Metro and the Municipal Urban and Architectural Commission. She is the founder of the architectural studio Kozień Architekci, known for award-winning projects such as the National Museum of the Przemyśl Land in Przemyśl, the Capitol Musical Theatre in Wrocław, and the Visitor Service Center at the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum in Oświęcim. In 2022, the authorial team consisting of Marek Kozień, Magdalena Kozień-Woźniak, and Katarzyna Kozień-Kornecka received the SARP Kraków Award for Lifetime Achievement in Architecture. She is also a member of the Małopolska Regional Chamber of Architects and the Jury College of the Association of Polish Architects.
Marcin Woyciechowski
Born on February 15, 1970, in Gdańsk, he graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology in 1993. After gaining experience in architectural firms in Poland, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, he has been running his own design practice since 1995 (obtained an unrestricted architectural design license in 2001). Following collaborations with various companies, he has primarily been associated for years with Hossa Investment Group S.A., where he has been a board member for several years, managing the design studio within the company. He is the author of numerous completed residential estates, mixed-use buildings (over half a million m², housing for several thousand families), public utility facilities (100,000 m², including a church, department stores, office buildings, and an auditorium), and other functional buildings (about 30,000 m², including hotels, guesthouses, a swimming pool-spa, and more). He has won multiple architectural competitions and awards, including twice receiving the Mayor of Gdańsk’s Award for the best architectural project of recent years.
Founder and long-term member of the governing bodies of an Educational Association, he also funds a scholarship for talented youth from the village of Kanie – the ancestral estate of the Woyciechowski family. Since 2014, he has been a lecturer in Urban and Spatial Management at the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of Technology, teaching urban planning and economics.
A devoted family man and father of three daughters. A passionate traveller, sailor, and recreational skier.
Michał Glaser
President of the Board of the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area.
Local government employee, economist, and international relations expert. He graduated in economics and political science from the University of Gdańsk and the Institute of Political Studies in Lyon. He holds a postgraduate diploma in EU Diplomacy and International Relations from the College of Europe in Bruges and completed postgraduate studies in regional development at the University of Warsaw.
From 2008 to 2012, he served as an assistant to the Mayor of Gdańsk, Paweł Adamowicz. Since June 2012, he has been the Director of the Office of the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area (formerly Gdańsk Metropolitan Area), and since March 2020, he has also held the position of President of the Board of the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area. He is responsible for implementing the tasks of the OMGGS as an Intermediate Body, working alongside the regional government to execute the Regional Operational Program for the Pomeranian Voivodeship for 2014–2020. He is a co-author of the Integrated Territorial Investments Strategy, under which 160 European projects worth PLN 3.6 billion (with PLN 1.8 billion in co-funding) are currently being implemented.
Paweł Majkusiak
An architect, graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Warsaw University of Technology in 1998. He has been working at JEMS Architekci since 1996 and became a partner at JEMS in 2003.
Markus Hedorfer
Markus Hedorfer is a registered spatial planner in Italy. Born and grown up in Southern Germany, in 1984 he moved to Venice, Italy where he graduated in Urban and Regional Planning at IUAV University. His professional activity started in the 1990s, which involved, besides making plans, multicriteria evaluation, environmental planning in the Venice Lagoon, reclamation of contaminated mega sites, feasibility studies, geospatial information systems, cartography and remote sensing. In recent times, he is more and more focusing on vision and scenario building for metropolitan and urban contexts, as well as for structurally disadvantages areas, paying much attention to nature restoration planning. He collected important work experience for the Eastern Mediterranean Area (valorisation of Venetian historical heritage), in Angola, Germany and of course Italy. During his first 10-15 years of activity, academic research and teaching, mostly at IUAV, occupied an important position, too. In 2010 he co-founded HESC spatial consulting, a private planning and design firm based in Venice, Italy.
In 2002 he joined ASSURB, the Italian national association of professional spatial planners, which was founded in 1977 after the first graduation course in “urbanistics” was established in Italy in 1971. 2004-2010 and from 2016 member of its national council, since 2017 delegate to the ECTP-CEU, from 2019 to 2022 he was ASSURB’s president.
ECTP-CEU president for the current two-year period 2023-2025 and previously (2021-2023) its vice president, his main interests and activities are focused on promotion, strengthening and formal recognition of spatial planning as a distinct and robust profession in Europe. From 2018 to early 2022 he chaired an ECTP-CEU working group on migration and inclusion, which remains one of his main topics to this day. After the Russian aggression against Ukraine, he is particularly committed to supporting the Ukrainian colleagues in their post-war recovery.
dr Remigijus Šimašius
Przez dwie kadencje był merem Wilna, aż do zeszłego roku, kiedy zdecydował się odejść z polityki. Wcześniej zajmował stanowiska ministra sprawiedliwości, prezesa Litewskiego Instytutu Wolnego Rynku oraz inne. Poprowadził transformację urbanistyczną Wilna, wdrażając nowe standardy ulic, nowe standardy architektoniczne, budując 140 km wysokiej jakości tras rowerowych, a także radykalnie zazieleniając miasto. Doprowadziło to do ogłoszenia Wilna Zieloną Stolicą Europy w 2025 roku. Podczas jego dwóch kadencji Wilno stało się najszybciej rozwijającym się miastem, FT FDI doceniło Wilno za przyciąganie inwestycji, przyjazność dla biznesu, styl życia i inne osiągnięcia. Obecnie Remigijus Šimašius prowadzi własną firmę konsultingową.
prof. Sławomir Gzell
Professor, DSc, architect, urban planner, Doctor Honoris Causa of Poznań University of Technology, long-standing head of the Department of Urban Design and Rural Landscape at the Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, Honorary Chair of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and member of the German Academy for Urban and Regional Planning (DASL) as well as ICOMOS. He has been a long-time member of the advisory council to the Mazovian Provincial Conservator of Monuments, the Central Committee for Academic Degrees and Titles, the Main Urban and Architectural Commission, the Warsaw Urban and Architectural Commission, and the central authorities of the Society of Polish Town Planners. He serves as a competition judge for the Association of Polish Architects. His international experience includes a Fulbright scholarship in Washington, DC, USA, and a JICA scholarship in Tokyo, Japan. He is the author of numerous implemented urban plans and architectural projects and the recipient of many architectural and urban design awards. He has authored over 250 publications on urban planning and architecture, as well as several books, including Urban Planning in the 21st Century, PWN, 2020 and 2024. He lectures on contemporary urban planning at the Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology, and other institutions, including international ones. He has supervised over 160 master’s theses, 25 doctoral dissertations, and has reviewed more than 60 doctoral theses, over 40 habilitation papers, and around 40 applications for professorial titles. In the 1990s, he served as a councilor of the city of Warsaw.
Sofia Morgado
Architect with an MSc in Contemporary Architectural Culture and Modern Society (FA-TU Lisbon), a PhD in Urbanism (ETSAB/UPC, Barcelona), and a Habilitation for Full Professors (Agregação, FA-TU Lisbon).
She has been a member of the Lisbon School of Architecture teaching staff since 1997, where she has held an indefinite public service contract since 2010 as Professora auxiliar com agregação in the area of Urbanism.
Her main interests cover Contemporary Urbanism and Metropolitan Realm, focusing on the open space system - public space, urban regeneration and climate change. She has actively participated in international and national research networks, namely ISOCARP, EURA and AESOP.
Szymon Wojciechowski
President, Co-Owner and Architect-Partner at APA Wojciechowski Architects is an architect with over thirty years of experience, a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture of the Warsaw Univeristy of Technology (Poland) and the University of Detroit (USA), a member of the Mazovian District Chamber of Architects. From 1982 he has been associated with APA Wojciechowski – currently APA Wojciechowski sp. z o.o., in which he is the President of the Management Board, Co-Owner, Architect-Partner. Many years of experience combined with a passion for creating beautiful shapes allows him to design unique buildings with high functionality. Author or co-author of many well-known architectural projects, including Elektrownia Powiśle, Skyliner, The Park Warsaw, Latarnia and Port (Port Praski), Galeria Północna in Warsaw (Poland), Riverview, Format, Officyna and Alchemia in Gdańsk (Poland), Kielecka 2 (K2) in Gdynia, Business Garden Wrocław and Centrum Południe in Wrocław (Poland), Nova Silesia in Katowice (Poland) and The Park Kraków (Poland), UNIT.City in Kyiv (Ukraine), Lviv.Tech.City in Lviv (Ukraine), White Square Office Center (Russia), White Gardens Office Center (Russia).
Bartosz Kaźmierczak
Architect and urban planner. Since 1998, the author and co-author of projects in the field of urban planning, architectural objects, interior architecture and cinema set design. Since 2009, an employee of the Department of Urban Planning and Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Architecture of the Poznan University of Technology. In the years 2005-2009 he was a member of the Management Board of the Society of Polish Town Planners in Poznań and was awarded the silver TUP badge. Since 2015 he has been a member of the Board of the Revitalization Forum. In 2013, a member of the expert team appointed by the Ministry of Development in the field of evaluation of good practices in shaping spatial order. In 2014 carried out a scientific internship at Fakultät Raumplanung, Technische Universität Dortmund, carried out as part of the EU programme ”Knowledge Engineering for Intelligent Development”. In 2015-2019 a member of the Municipal Architectural and Urban Commission in Poznań, and from 2015 and still in the city of Turek. From 2017, a member of the Poznań Think-Tank established by the President of the City of Poznań. Author of around 70 peer-reviewed publications. Took active part in many scientific conferences worldwide. Member of Editorial & Scientific Advisory Board and Reviewer Team at scientific platform of EUSER - European Center for Science Education and Research 2015-2018; Member of IRC - International Research Conference Series, Scientific and Technical Committee & Editorial Review Board on Urban and Civil Engineering of The World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology since 2020; Member of Editorial Board of Urban and Regional Planning Journal (URP), 2020-2022; Fellowship Member of Scholars Academic and Scientific Society (SAS Society) since 2021, Senior Fellowship Member of Global Urban Development BERLIN since 2022. The main area of scientific and research interest is urban issues, including issues of sustainable urban spatial policy in accordance with Transit Oriented Development, revitalization, revalorization of public spaces and urban design.
Aleksander Orłowski
Professor at Gdańsk University of Technology, Vice President of the Gdańsk Agglomeration Development Forum (NGO). Professionally, he focuses on researching and developing Smart City concepts. He is the author of the book "Process Readiness Model of Municipal Offices for Achieving Smart City Status" (2019) and co-author of "Data Management in Cities: A Handbook for Local Governments" (2021). He serves as a consultant to, among others, venture capital funds, local governments, and startups. He is also an expert in programs of the European Commission and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Agnieszka Zając
Senior Project Leader, Waterfront Old Docks at Sogent - the Autonomous Municipal Ghent Development Authority.
For over 20 years, Agnieszka Zając has been shaping the spatial development of Ghent, Belgium, by designing a new district on the site of the Old Docks. She oversees the project at the level of urban and architectural design solutions as well as financial management.
A graduate of Ghent University, she initially worked at the university. In recent years, she has given lectures at various universities in Belgium, Poland, and Germany, as well as at international conferences on spatial planning and urban development, including ISOCARP congresses (the International Society of City and Regional Planners), RealCORP conferences (gathering urban planners from Europe and around the world), and Eurocities workshops focused on urban renewal in Ukraine.
For several years, she co-edited A+ magazine (https://www.a-plus.be), which has been Belgium’s leading architectural and urban planning magazine for over 45 years, covering both national and international topics.
At the invitation of the City Architect of Gdańsk, she participated in Gdańsk City Debates on creating and implementing modern spatial policy and conducted classes for master’s students in the field of Spatial Management at Gdańsk University of Technology.
She is fluent in Polish, Flemish, and English.
prof. Piotr Lorens
Head of the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at the Faculty of Architecture, Gdansk University of Technology and - since 2021 - Architect of the City of Gdansk. Fulbright scholar, actively involved in the work of scientific committees (including within the structures of the Polish Academy of Sciences) and professional associations (including ISOCARP, TUP, ICOMOS and TICCIH). He also works on the planning and implementation of various urban planning projects and undertakings, primarily related to urban transformation and renewal.
Tomasz Mikołaj Konior
Architect and urban planner. A graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the Cracow University of Technology. In 2019, he defended his doctoral dissertation titled "The Evolution of Public Space in Buildings for Music."
Since 1995, he has been running his own architectural firm, Konior Studio. He is the author of over 200 buildings, primarily public-use facilities. His work on music venues has gained him particular recognition, including the Center for Science and Music Education "Symfonia" in Katowice, the seat of the National Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Radio in Katowice with its grand concert hall, recognized by the ECHO organization as one of the best in Europe, the Complex of Music Schools in Warsaw, and the Philharmonic in Brno. Following a competition win in 2021, he is currently designing the New Campus for the Academy of Music in Kraków. His latest, highly acclaimed project includes the new reading rooms at the National Library in Warsaw, which received the Grand Prix in the Architectural Award of the Mayor of Warsaw competition and was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe European Architecture Prize.(Stowarzyszenie Katowice Natura Kultura).
Tomasz Konior has received over 80 architectural and individual awards. His most notable accolades include the Leonardo Award (2007), the International Union of Architects Award (2008), SARP’s Building of the Year Award (2008), the Zygmunt Majerski Medal (2010), the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis (2014), Iconic Awards, IDA Awards, and A' Design Award (2021).He is a member of the Chamber of Polish Architects and the Association of Polish Architects (SARP). In the 2012–2015 term, he served as Chair of the Coordinating Committee of Competition Judges at the SARP National Board. He is a co-founder of the Institute of Contemporary City. He is also actively involved in social initiatives for environmental protection (LIBRA Association) and the promotion of music (Katowice Nature Culture Association). A city and classical music enthusiast. Cat lover.
