Space for Innovation, Health and Sustainable Development
The Green Science Zone (Polish: Zielona Strefa Nauki, ZSN) is an innovative project aimed at transforming the urban space of Katowice by integrating science into the daily lives of its residents. This unique initiative aligns with the broader context of sustainable development, promoting ecology, science, and innovation as the cornerstones of a modern city. In " , Katowice became the first city in Central and Eastern Europe to be honored with the title of European City of Science, providing an excellent backdrop for efforts related to the revitali/ation of the Rawa River. The Green Science Zone combines innovation and science with public space, creating an open area for everyone students, researchers, and city residents alike. It is a space for dialogue, experimentation, and sustainable development, where every voice matters. We invite you to follow the project’s progress and join our initiatives, as the Green Science Zone represents a future we build together.
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5th Silesian Science Festival Katowice by
2021
the Rawa River / 2021 By the decision of Prof. Ryszarda Koziołka, the general director of the Festival, the 5th edition of the Silesian Science Festival Katowice was
- 2022
organised along the Rawa boulevards. Lhe event was a momentum that boosted the discussion about the Rawa restoration and the river’s meaning for the residents. The Rawa Manifest, and the Festival’s very City and Water Zone focused on urban space, urban design and ecology, initiating work on the Green Science Zone (ZSN).
The Prototype of Space by the Rawa / 2022 The theme of the Rawa resulted in the “Rawa Laboratory” project implemented at the GZM Metropolitan Prototyping School together with the University of Silesia. The activities were coordinated by Aneta Moczkowska plenipotentiary of the Rector of the University of Silesia for the ZSN - and Paweł Jaworski urban planner.
Autumn 2022 was marked by the prototype for the urban space. It introduced greenery, urban furniture and ecological solutions, creating a place that contributed to meetings and discussions about urban spaces. The activities used the ‘Rawa Colour Chart’ developed by Justyna Szklarczyk-Lauer, PhD, DLitt, Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Katowice. Consisting in the artistic documentation of the river based on photographic impressions, the Chart combines science and art to mirror the colours characteristic of the Rawa The shutdown of a portion of Moniuszki Street in Katowice, located ne%t to the niversity of Silesia, was brought about. In effect, the citizens and students have been given space where they can move freely around an open area adapted for leisure walks and social interactions, instead of navigating between cars through a narrow pavement
Lectures and Workshops with Belinda Tato / 2022 In December, at the invitation of the University of Silesia and GZM, Belinda Tato - an architect from the Spanish firm ecosistema urbano and a lecturer at Harvard University, carried out a
n. The world-renowned
series of workshops and lectures about sustainable spatial desi
n and inspired further efforts for
specialist shared her e periences in urban social desi the Green Science Zone.
Developing ‘Green Science Zone and Rawa Laboratory: The Concept for Combining Scientific Research with Urban Planning.’ / 2022 In 2022, the University of Silesia commissioned the development of solutions supporting the process of river restoration while respecting ecology and local needs at the same time. The consultations resulted in the document entitled ‘Green Science Zone and Rawa Laboratory: Concept for Combining Scientific Research with Urban Planning’, developed by Paweł Jaworski, who outlined the vision of transforming Rawa into a green recreational space together with a team of architects and employees of the University of Silesia.
2023
January and Throughout the Year – Sociological Research and Mapping Creative Space around the Rawa / 2023 Along with the decision to award Katowice the title of the European City of Science 2024, the city requested the Academic Consortium to carry out a diagnosis of the residents’ needs. The entire process carried out by the University of Silesia and the Academy of Fine Arts and esign included the analysis of the residents’ and academic society’s expectations, the investigation of the natural potential of the Rawa and the mapping of creative places in Katowice. The results have become an important part of the work on the ZSN's assumptions.
Throughout the Year – Collaboration Beetween Universities in the Academic Consortium / 2023 The Academic Consortium – Katowice City of Science has established the Interuniversity Team for the Green Science Zone as part of the project ‘Supporting University Consolidation Processes’ financed by the Ministry of Science and igher Education the Team is coordinated by Aneta Moczkowska, the Plenipotentiary of the Rector for the Green Science Zone. The Team has developed the model of changes in public space management and suggested interdisciplinary scientific projects feasible to be implemented along the Rawa boulevards. In the second stage of the project, the Team developed a comple set of objectives and recommendations regarding key areas of the restoration. As a result, seven possible future scenarios were selected, each with a different vision and direction for the development of the Green Science Zone area. Each scenario was based on previous work and analyses, taking into account the needs of its future users and the scientific and social potential of the area. The solutions aimed not only at the development of science but also at improving the uality of life of residents and creating a modern space for integration.
‘Topic: River” – Interdisciplinary Approach to the Rawa / 2023 The former seat of the Silesian Museum hosted the exhibition ‘Topic: River’, organised by the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Katowice, the Silesian Museum and the Metropolis GZM. The exhibition was dedicated to the Rawa River and combined science with the arts using field recordings, cartographic materials, performances and films. Telling the story of the aftermaths of urbanisation and environmental degradation, the Rawa has become a starting point for reflection on the role of humans in transforming nature. The exhibition displayed and alluded to the dilemmas related to land restoration and accepting irreversible climate change. The artistic and scientific works drew attention to the mixed nature of the Rawa, which is both natural and transformed by man. The exhibition was a side event to the World Urban Forum WUF11. foto: gzm
The Rawa as an Interpretation of Science and the Arts / 2023 The Rawa has become a crucial subject for the interd isciplinary artistic and scientific works at the University of Silesia. The publication Crossing the Rawa. An Interview with the River shows the river as a symbol of history and the embod iment of transformation and ecocide, therefore inspiring students to reflect on the relationship between humans and nature.
National Programme for Just Transition and the edelopment of the Green Science Zone / 2023 The Academic Consortium, the City of Katowice, and the GZM had effectively cooperated with each other and developed a project for the planned National Programme for Just Transition. It served as a base for the feasibility study with variants for the ZSN, covering a series of innovative investments such aso the Centre for the Cconomy Transformation (UC), the Silesian Interd isciplinary Centre for Chemistry and the Centre for Biotechnology and Biod iversity (USil), the Centre for Computational Science and Technology (PŚ), as well as the Metrolab and the Metropolitan Prototyping School (GZM). Although having an investment character, the study included activities related to the reconstruction of blue9 green infrastructure and urban space development, includ ing the transformation of the Rawa boulevards.
Awards for the Effort in Public Spaces and Sustainable Development / 2023 The prototype space project above the Rawa River, carried out by the University of Silesia in collaboration with GZM, received the prestigious MobilityAction Award from the European Commission for sustainable urban solutions. The project was also awarded by the Society of olish Town lanners for its innovative approach to the urban renewal of spaces at the University of Silesia campus, integrating ecological, social, and scientific functions, and serving as a model for modern spatial planning. Workshops and a Meeting with Michał Sikorski and Jordan Lacey, PhD / 2023 The University of Silesia collaborated with Michał Sikorski (co-author of the book Spaces of the University, author of the campus concepts for the University of `arsaw and the aris-Saclay campus in BranceU and Lordan nacey, hA (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, MelbourneU. The workshops eYplored the role of academic spaces, combining science, art, and practical elements in the creation of friendly urban and academic spaces that support not only intellectual development but also community building.
2024
Green Science Zone at Significant International Events / 2024 The Green Science Zone was presented at prestigious events such as the European Economic Congress (EEC) and the EuroScience "pen orum (ES" ) in atowice. At the European Economic Congress, the role of the Green Science Zone was discussed in the context of the development of the European City of Science, with rof. erzy Buzek emphasising the importance of restoring the &awa &iver for sustainable development and collaboration between science and the city.
foto: PWTP
‘We Want the River: Cleaning the Rawa’ and the First Rawa Day / 2024 In May 2024, a community cleaning action took place around the Rawa River. Residents of Katowice, students, employees of the University of Silesia and the Academy of Fine Arts, and volunteers; all joined forces to improve the condition of the river and its surroundings, exhibiting and promoting environmental care and collective action for the city. Initiated by the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice and the University of Silesia, the first Rawa Festival called ‘We Want the River: The Rawa Day’ was held on 25 May. The event combined art, science, and nature, featuring workshops, lectures, a sound walk, the ‘Sisters of the River’ happening by Cecylia Malik, and concerts by Marcin Dymitr and Micha@ Zygmunt, creating a unique space for dialogue about the relationship between the city and the river.
The Rawa in the Spotlight – Discovery, History, and Culture / 2024 The event series 'We Want the River’ introduced residents to the unique aspects of the Rawa River through the ‘Unexplored Rawa’ walk, workshops at the Morawa Pond in Katowice, and the ‘Rawo-rower’ cycling tour. During a field trip led by University of Silesia scientists: Prof. Andrzej Kowalczyk and Kinga Ślósarczyk, PhD, the participants learnt about the river's history and explored its transfor ations during the industrialisation and the hu an i pact on its condition The cultural highlight was a series of usic evenings called ‘Rawa Cooltury’, organised by the outh Council for the City of Science.
Comprehensive Rawa Research Carrie0 o+ 4' i& cien is s $ ,#,! A research team from the University of Silesia has developed a detailed map of water flow directions across the University of Silesia campus and assessed their environmental impact. To get a deeper understanding of the Rawa River's functioning and the entire water circulation system in its catchment area, research on surface and groundwater monitoring and atmospheric conditions in the catchment was planned and launched. To this end, a continuous monitoring station was installed to trac water flow and ey physicochemical parameters of the Rawa River. Additionally, field and laboratory studies of river water will be conducted, followed by studies on groundwater in the vicinity of the Rawa River. These coordinated actions are a necessary step toward creating an e haustive restoration and ecosystem protection programme for the Rawa River.
Interdisciplinary Workshops by the Green Science Zone / 2024 The collaborative work on the project brought together several fields, incl. neuroscience, architecture, and urban planning. They were to lay the foundations for the development of spaces that would foster scientific and social integration. Thanks to the interdisciplinary collaboration, participants were able to strengthen the cooperation between diverse fields, leading to the creation of more comprehensive and innovative ideas in the conte t of restoration and the creation of friendly urban spaces.
Launching Social Media and ‘Talks in
the Zone’ / 2024
The social med ia channels of the Green
Science Zone were launched at the end
of August, along with the ‘Talks in the
Zone’ series. These open meetings with
experts explored various topics, e.g. the
restoration of the Rawa River, urban
planning, sustainable development, the
role of science in the city's
transformation, and the future of the
region and its public spaces.
The Youth Engaged in the
Development of the Green Science
Zone / 2024
As part of A<FESTIVAL, young creators
had the opportunity to participate in the
A<MI marathon, serving as a platform for
creating narratives for the Green Science
Zone. Urban storytelling workshops and
reflections on the joy in the city became
a space for creative collaboration on the
vision for the restoration of the Rawa and
urban spaces. To express the
involvement of young artists, a mural by
Bartosz Piórkowski (University of Silesia
student) and Jan Wojtas (Academy of
Fine Arts and Design student) was
created on the build ing of the Faculty of
Humanities at the University of Silesia.
Inspired by New Athens Encycloped ia,
the remora fish conveys an ecological
message and symbolises humanity's
impact on the environment, becoming an
important element in the contemporary
d ialogue about protecting our planet.
International Collaboration / 2024 Within an international collaboration dedicated to the restoration of the Rawa, we have been visited by Stephan Treuke, PhD, the Technical University of Dortmund, Germany; during a conference, he presented inspiring experiences regarding the successful restoration of the Emscher River. In the meantime, a partnership has been established with scientists from Universit ean onnet in Saint tienne, France; it has opened new possibilities for research on the Rawa and the Furan River in the context of sustainable development.
Innovations for the Campus – Strategy and Collaboration / 2024 As part of the Green Science Zone project, the Impronta team, led by Natalia Olszewska, developed the report Well-being in Design: Innovations and ealth on the University of Silesia Campus, based on environmental psychology and neuroscience, setting the direction for creating spaces supporting user well-being. Simultaneously, TŁO Architekci conducted a spatial analysis, resulting in the Atlas, providing design guidelines for the campus and the Green Science Zone. Designed by Michał Sikorski and his team, the Spatial Development Strategy for the University of Silesia+s Katowice campus B- B Masterplan) incorporates sustainable development and campus modernisation, including the renewal of the Rawa riverbanks. The design will be complemented by research developing recommendations and concepts for small architecture solutions on the Katowice campus, authored by aweł Grobelny, hD.