Recreational Student Zone to be Established on Bialystok University of Technology Campus! Opening After Summer Break!

Chillout, barbecue, conversations! The Recreational Student Zone will serve as a space for small gatherings, available to both students and university staff. This initiative is part of the campus’s transformation and results from the involvement of many individuals and units at BUT. The idea was initiated by Assoc. Prof. Marta Kosior-Kazberuk, DSc, PhD, Eng, Rector of Bialystok University of Technology, and the BUT Student Self-Government.

– We had been considering creating a Recreational Student Zone for some time. The design phase took us several months. We are currently preparing the tender. This zone is a joint initiative of the Rector and the BUT Student Self-Government. Various units and departments of BUT, especially the entire chancellery, have been involved in implementing this idea, – explains Dorota Gawryluk, PhD, Eng, Arch., from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences, noting that this action aligns with the sustainable development strategy “My Green University”..

The creators of the friendly space design, which will be integrated into the university grounds near the BUT dormitories, are landscape architecture students from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences.

– The student designers created about 16 concepts, from which eight were selected for further development. The BUT Student Seld-Government chose two concepts, which were then combined into the final version to be implemented – explains Wojciech Matys, PhD, Eng, Arch., from the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences.

Choosing the ideas for creating the relaxation area was not easy, but ultimately something exceptional emerged, showcasing the talent and creativity of our students – the future specialists in landscape architecture. The Student Recreation Area project is the result of the work of four students: Dominika Bielawska, Karolina Radwańska, Patrycja Dzieniszewska, and Kamila Mościcka.

– I was impressed by the maturity of the designers in dealing with technical matters. They handled it excellently and also incorporated green materials into the pavilions, adapting everything to the terrain we are designing for, seamlessly integrating it into the existing campus layout, – praised Arch. Marta Baum, PhD, Eng, Arch., who teaches at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Environmental Sciences.

And how do the students themselves evaluate their efforts? What particular challenges did they face in creating the vision of the green area and bringing it to life?

– While designing this area, we had to take into account existing elements such as tall trees. We had to adapt them to our project, as well as the hill and slopes. We also had to consider the existing technical infrastructure, which influenced the placement of electrical elements, including the lighting in the pavilions, – explains one of the project creators, Dominika Bielawska, who emphasises that the entrance to the area will be in the form of a ramp to ensure accessibility for everyone, including people with special needs.

The new area will feature six shaded relaxation shelters measuring 4m x 8m and 4m x 6m, integrated into a corner with old apple trees. The space is designed with high standards of functionality and aesthetics.

– There will be three large and three small pavilions made of steel construction with green roofs and climbing plants on the side walls. Inside, there will be partly paved surfaces, and grill stations are also planned. The pavilions will be accessible both day and night, with lighting. The entire space will be fenced and landscaped, – says Patrycja Dzieniszewska.

Relaxing surrounded by greenery? With the needs of the users in mind, the girls opted for an eco-friendly approach and vegetation, which is a key element of the area.

– When designing the student space, we focused on incorporating as much greenery as possible. Therefore, we included a green roof and ivy on the pavilion walls. New apple trees and a hedge of alpine currants will also be planted, – says Kamila Mościcka.

The BUT campus continues to evolve. Recently, a new “I love PB” installation appeared, and ongoing infrastructure modernizations include the Faculty of Computer Science building. The Recreational Student Zone will complement these changes, offering an outdoor relaxation area.

– This new place is important because BUT matters to us not only during classes but also after. It’s a space for integration, meeting, and getting to know new people, – says Julia Skorbiłowicz from the BUT Student Seld-Government, highlighting the importance of the zone’s accessibility to dorm residents and the entire academic community. – We can’t wait and invite you to the Recreational Student Zone. After the summer break, there will be a grand opening! – encourages the student.

We are also eagerly anticipating this new addition! We hope the Recreational Student Zone will quickly become a favourite spot on our campus for everyone!

Check out the photo gallery below: