About the conference
The upcoming conference focuses on water as a key element of life and the foundation for responsible design of urban and landscape spaces. Water not only satisfies basic human needs but also determines environmental quality, biodiversity and the quality of life in cities. In the face of climate change, urbanisation and environmental degradation, the role of water in landscape architecture is becoming increasingly important.
The Contemporary Landscape Architecture 2025 conference will be a meeting point between theory and practice. During the event, experts from Poland and abroad – landscape architects, urban planners, engineers and hydrologists – will present the latest research, case studies and technical solutions for blue-green infrastructure. The programme will include three main themes: the role of water in urban regeneration and education, shaping relationships with water at various spatial scales, and technical aspects of water management in cities of the future.
We want to look at water not only as a resource, but as an element that co-creates cities – their identity, structure and operation. Water has been and will continue to be the architect of the urban landscape. We must learn to understand it better and manage it more wisely
– underline the organisers.
The conference is also a space for exchanging experiences and establishing cooperation. On the first day, the event participants will take part in a study tour and an evening team-building dinner, while the second day will feature lectures and panel discussions.
This year’s speakers include: Joanna Rayss – President of Moderna Ecologic, Prof. Tomasz Jurczak (Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz), Sebastian Szklarek (European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology, Polish Academy of Sciences), Jakub Smykowski (Aquanet Retencja), Prof. Iwona Wagner (Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology, Faculty of Biological and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz), Agnieszka Ryzza-Woźniak (Tajemniczy Ogród), Sylwia Molewska (Business for Climate Foundation).
The conference is organised by the Association of Landscape Architecture (SAK) and co-organised by the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz. The Department of UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology (one of 12 UNESCO Chairs in Poland and the only one focusing on water and implementing the UNESCO-IHP programme) is also involved in the conference.
Practical information
The event will be held on 27-28 October 2025 at the University of Lodz Training and Conference Centre (Kopcińskiego 16/18, Lodz).
More information about the conference - in Polish (Programme and information from the organisers)
