International Summer School on Vernacular Architecture

04-07-2024

Vernacular architecture, rooted in local building traditions, was the main theme of the international summer school held at Bialystok University of Technology from 1 to 5 July 2024. This innovative offering is part of the Blended Intensive Programme under the Erasmus+ programme. It attracted 20 students and 6 lecturers from universities in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Romania, and Lithuania.

– During the course dedicated to vernacular architecture — which is developed in a specific region based on factors such as the availability of building materials and climatic challenges — we focused on discussing the multi-generational tradition of wooden construction still alive in Podlasie. We introduced students from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Lithuania, and Romania to the characteristics of different areas of our region. This is an intriguing experience for them, as vernacular architecture in other parts of Europe is based on stone or brick constructions, – explains Dorota Gawryluk, PhD, Eng, Arch. from the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, the coordinator of the school.

– We should pay particular attention to the advantages of vernacular architecture amid the current climate changes. It’s worthwhile to draw from the traditions of our ancestors and share experiences with residents of various countries, regions, and climate zones. Importantly, in Podlasie, we have an excellent example of how vernacular architecture can inspire innovations in building. In this context, we discuss the production of modular houses at the Unihouse factory in Bielsk Podlaski. We look back to tradition to understand why wood was the optimal building material in our region and how it can be superbly used in contemporary architecture,” adds Dorota Gawryluk, PhD, Eng, Arch.

Podlasie’s vernacular architecture — wooden structures — has long been a focus of the research staff at the Faculty of Architecture of Bialystok University of Technology. Our knowledge in this area is expanded through studies of regional wooden building monuments and monographs on the role of wood as a building material. The Faculty also organizes the “Wood in Architecture” competition, promoting the best diploma projects nationwide, which feature wood prominently in their designs.

The immense potential of wooden architecture is evidenced by the success of the Polish Pavilion at EXPO 2020 in Dubai. Among its designers was Michał Czerwiński, MSc, Arch., a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at Bialystok University of Technology and an architect at the renowned WXCA studio. The Polish showcase, entirely made of wood, won first place in the large pavilions category at the World Expo Awards organized by EXHIBITOR Magazine and was recognized by the Bureau International des Expositions in the “interior design” category. Once relocated to Poland, the Polish Pavilion, now known as Xylopolis Centre for Art and Science of Wood, has the potential to become a tourist attraction in Podlasie.

Besides attending lectures, laboratory sessions, and design exercises, participants of the summer school at Bialystok University of Technology toured Białystok and Podlasie. They had a study visit to the UNIHOUSE factory in Bielsk Podlaski, a pioneer in the Polish market for producing modern modular buildings with wooden frames. Following the trail of Podlasie’s wooden architecture, they visited the Podlasie Museum of Folk Culture, Bielsk Podlaski and nearby villages, and Supraśl. After the educational sessions, BIP participants also enjoyed additional sports activities prepared by Jolanta Zuzda, PhD, Eng, and outdoor games organized by Marta Orpik and Izabela Karpińska from the International Relation Offices.

The Blended Intensive Programme “European Vernacular Construction in the Context of Wood and Environmental Sustainability” involved staff from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences: Dorota Gawryluk, PhD, Eng, Arch., Assoc Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, DSc, PhD, Eng, and from the Faculty of Architecture: Andrzej Dudziński, PhD, Eng, Arch., Karolina Misiuk, MSc, Arch., Magdalena Sulima, PhD, Eng, Arch., Assoc. Prof. Jarosław Szewczyk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Arch., Bartosz Śliwecki, PhD, Eng, Arch., Marcin Tur, PhD, Eng, Arch., Adam Turecki, PhD, Eng, Arch. Design classes were also conducted by lecturers from partner universities: Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Spain), Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II (Italy), Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara, and Universitatea Tehnică Gheorghe Asachi din Iași (Romania). Administrative support was provided by the Mobility and International Agreements Unit of BUT.

by mr

Photo Gallery from the opening of the Blended Intensive Programme “European Vernacular Construction in the Context of Wood and Environmental Sustainability” on 1 July 2024.