ARCHI-STRADA 2026 – the future of Polish cities, beauty and aesthetics in architecture

On February 3-6, 2026, one of the most important meetings of architects and designers in Poland took place at the Poznań International Fair. Among the invited guests were representatives of Polish and foreign architectural firms and collectives. Discussions were held on stage about the future of architecture in the context of beauty, aesthetics, and functionality.

Special guest speeches

This year's Design and Architecture Forum, organized as part of ARCHI-STRADA, hosted Carl Bäckstrand (White Arkitekter) with a lecture on regenerative architecture and Scandinavian design patterns, as well as Maciej Jakub Zawadzki (LURE / MJZ) with a lecture on performative aesthetics and innovations in revitalization processes. During the two days of the Forum, participants could also listen to a presentation by Marta Sękulska-Wrońska (WXCA) on beauty as a fundamental quality in architecture, a lecture by Maciej Miłobędzki (JEMS Architekci) presenting a case study of a building located
at 6 Solna Street in Poznań, a presentation by Oskar Grąbczewski (OVO Grąbczewscy) on the revitalization of a housing complex in Katowice, as well as Justyna Dziedziejko (TOPOSCAPE) on the implementation of the Park on the Warsaw Uprising Mound, Prof. Maciej Błaszak on neuroaesthetics and the impact of the environment on the human brain, Marta Wierusz (APA Wojciechowski Architekci) on psychology and neuroscience in design, and Joanna Florczak-Czujwid (ASM Research Solutions Strategy) on how the human brain works – what it likes and what it avoids.

Discussion panels

The debates with experts covered a wide range of topics, starting with a discussion entitled “Measurable aspects of aesthetics” devoted to the possibilities of measuring beauty in architecture and its impact on the value of investments. The second debate addressed the question of whether “Public must be beautiful?”, focusing on the role of aesthetics in residential construction and common spaces. The program also included a debate entitled Polish Architecture Congress 2026 with the participation of Zbigniew Maćkow,
Dr. Eugeniusz Skrzypczak, Prof. UAP.

The aestheticization of architecture and urban spaces. What will the future of Polish cities look like?

The Thursday debate organized by the editors of Architektura i Biznes featured Przemo Łukasik (Medusa Group), Karol Nieradka (maxberg studio), Prof. Agata Twardoch (Urban Planner of the City of Gliwice), and Michał Lorbiecki (Urban Planner of the City of Chorzów / @urbanomista). The interesting discussion was preceded by an introductory lecture by Przemo Łukasik. The event focused on forecasting the future of Polish metropolises and their aesthetics.

Meetings with authors at the Bookarest bookstore

At the special invitation of the Bookarest bookstore, a partner of ARCHI-STRADA 2026, two author meetings were held. The guest of the first meeting was Grzegorz Piątek, who talked about his book “Świątynia i śmietnik. Architektura dla życia” (“Temple and Dumpster: Architecture for Life”). The second meeting, with Magdalena Milert, concerned her latest publication, “Dla kogo jest miasto?” (Who is the city for?).

Representatives of Marmomac Academy:

For ARCHI-STRADA participants professionally involved in the stone industry, two presentations were given by international experts associated with the Marmomac brand – Gianni Simonelli and Paolo Marone. Representatives of the renowned Veronafiere trade fair shared their knowledge about natural stone, modern technologies, and sustainable development in architecture.

Competitions and award ceremonies

ARCHI-STRADA is a place that recognizes young and future architects. During the event, the finals of two competitions were held: the Competition for the design of tenement houses in Jeżyce and Architectural Sketches 2026, co-created with the Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland and the Association of Polish Architects. The official announcement of the results and the award ceremony for all winners was graced by the presence of representatives of partner institutions and the management board of the BUDMA Fair. The works awarded in both competitions could be admired throughout the four days in pavilion 5.

ARCHI-STRADA and Interior Design, held in the adjacent part of the pavilion, are part of the BUDMA Fair, one of the leading international industry events. The past events provided a unique opportunity for manufacturers and investors to meet a wide range of selected groups of potential customers.

This year's partner of ARCHI-STRADA was Leipfinger-Bader.