Designs by students of the Faculty of Design Arts of the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology and guests
Exhibition accompanying the World Canals Conference 2024 - Rother's Mills, June 22 - 26, 2024

Bydgoszcz is characterized by a unique location on the Brda River and the Bydgoszcz Canal, which constitutes the identity of its economy and culture. The water arteries running through the city play a strategic role in its development both in historical and contemporary contexts. In the past, water played a vital role in the city's development, being a central element of its economy and the everyday life of its inhabitants. Today, in the face of changing urban and ecological trends, directing Bydgoszcz towards the river again may bring numerous economic and social profits. The Brda River - flowing through the heart of the city, and the Bydgoszcz Canal - connecting the Vistula and Odra rivers, are not a mere picturesque landscape but offer vast possibilities for water transport, tourism and recreation. These unique water resources also create prospects for ecological and revitalization activities, improving the residents' quality of life and increasing the city's attractiveness as a tourist destination. Investments in coastal areas are also an opportunity to revitalize old districts and abandoned industrial areas. Examples of European cities such as Hamburg and Rotterdam show that an integrated approach to waterfront revitalisation can create modern residential, office and cultural districts that contribute to dynamic urban development.

At a time when the authorities of many European and global urban centres are rediscovering the potential that the rivers and canals flowing through the city offer in terms of tourism, a fresh perspective on the problem is needed, which young design students can provide. The exhibition presents works by students from two universities: the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology - Faculty of Design Arts, and the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk - Faculty of Design. The works show the unlimited possibilities of adaptation and revitalization of waterfronts and various vessel designs. A relevant factor in the new development is the aspect of the city's historical and social identity.

What is to be seen at the exhibition?

• Proposals for developing the areas along the Brda River and the Bydgoszcz Canal for recreational and tourist functions for both residents and guests. Students enriched the fragments of the Brda waterfront selected by students with elements of small architecture and diverse vegetation.
• Projects showcasing the repurposing of transport containers for public functions: cafes, clubs, restaurants, etc. Objects made of containers, diverse in form and function, placed along the Brda waterfront create a floating city.
• Adaptations of post-industrial buildings in Wenecja Bydgoska such as the old dye house changed into luxury apartments or more intimate apartments with ateliers.
• Concepts for the revitalization of urban interior spaces, such as a diploma project showcasing the reminiscence of the iconic Café Bristol with a veranda suspended over the river.
• Projects for adapting the Ella barge to new functions - the large once-transport vessel was transformed by young designers into cafes, restaurants, galleries, workshops, hostels, and spaces for yogis and athletes.
• Designs of vessels created over many years in the Naval Architecture Design of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk are strongly related to the context of the city and regional space regarding functionality, history, environment and aesthetics.

The exhibition of projects is also accompanied by artistic works: graphics and paintings, as well as an installation with structures woven with natural materials.
The exhibition also includes an annexe - an individual presentation of the project of adapting a barge to serve as a discussion forum for the inhabitants of Bydgoszcz - by Agnieszka Mierzwa, PhD and the design of a small electric vessel and micro marinas designed for the Elbląg Canal by Julia Wleklińska, PhD - lecturers of Interior Design at the Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology.