RESEARCH TEAMS:
• Adaptation to climate change
University of Warsaw team:
Eng. Agnieszka Dudzińska-Jarmolińska, PhD,
Magdalena Fuhrmann, PhD
Eng. Arch. Katarzyna Jasińska, PhD
Katarzyna Łatała, MA
Project CoAdapt: Local community action for climate change adaptation was carried out between 2021–2024
www.coadapt.pl
• LivingLab – Innovations in the Urban Space of Warsaw
Sylwia Dudek-Mańkowska, PhD, Karolina Sitnik, MA
Mirosław Grochowski, PhD, Maciej Misztal, MA
LivingLab – Innovations in the Urban Space of Warsaw was implemented within the framework of the “Students for the Environment” programme, part of the Integrated Development Programme of the University of Warsaw – ZIP
Achieving the most accurate yet appealing representation of the collected and generated data is a key aim of modern research projects in which spatial analysis plays a central role. At the Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies, we measure distances using computer systems, and thanks to the 3D models used in computer games, we are able to assess the benefits of adapting a given space to climate change. This serves one goal – to actively shape reality, as the conclusions from these analyses and acquired experience are transformed into implementation programmes. Data visualisation is a necessary tool to help us realise the need for change.
One of the systems we use to analyse data is GIS – Geographic Information System. It enables the collection, processing, analysis and visualisation of data, supporting research on complex spatial relationships in the geographical environment. These capabilities were used in the LivingLab – Innovations in the Urban Space of Warsaw project, which was carried out as part of the Students for the Environment Programme. The main objective of the project was to identify access to critical services in the Targówek district of Warsaw. Critical services are those that should be available within approximately a 15-minute walk from one’s place of residence. Residents use them daily, and their availability is one of the key indicators of quality of life. The study conducted as part of the project aligns with the 15-minute city research trend. This concept, developed by Carlos Moreno, has become popular in many cities around the world. The results of the study showed spatial disparities in service distribution within the district. The project had an implementation-oriented nature – its outcome included recommendations for local authorities on where to expand the service network and how to improve residents’ everyday living conditions.
Another visualisation method was employed in the CoAdapt: Local community action for climate change adaptation project, was carried out between 2021–2024. The work was conducted at the following universities: Warsaw University of Life Sciences, University of Warsaw, Oslo Metropolitan University, and Western Norway Research Institute. The aim was to create an innovative tool to motivate local communities to transform their immediate surroundings to adapt to climate change. This tool was an educational computer game, allowing players – in real time – to implement various adaptation solutions on a selected courtyard area and to analyse the spatial effects of these changes. During gameplay, the participants could observe the tangible benefits resulting from the implementation of adaptation tools – the player interacts with a 3D model generated for the designated area. The creators of the game aimed to inspire people to change their immediate surroundings. This can be achieved through real-time interaction among the community members within the game. Everyone plays together, meets, discusses, and negotiates compromise in response to a specific change. CoAdapt received €1.49 million in funding from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA Grants. The project operator was the National Centre for Research and Development. The project was co-financed at 15% by the national budget.
Upper graphics:
AVERAGE WALKING TIME TO SELECTED SERVICES IN TARGÓWEK
ACCESS TO SERVICES IN TARGÓWEK (15-MINUTE CITY)
↑ Author: K. Sitnik
Bottom images:
↑ FROM THE LEFT.
Tiedemannsparken estate in Oslo. The housing estate was built on post-industrial land and one of the pro-environmental measures included restoring a natural riverbank (photo: A. Dudzińska-Jarmolińska).
Game testing among senior citizens. “Optimists” Senior Club in Warsaw’s Stegny neighbourhood (photo: A. Dudzińska-Jarmolińska).
Presentation of the research report (photo: M. Grochowski).
Implementation of the pro-environmental solutions developed during the game in Warsaw’s Stegny (photo: A. Dudzińska-Jarmolińska).
RESEARCH LOCATION: Poland (WARSAW)