New European Bauhaus Prizes 2023

Project category

Identify the award category for which this project is being submitted
Reconnecting with nature

Email user
sam.rozkwit@gmail.com

Basic information
Project title
Garden of the Senses

Full Project Title
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Please provide a short, catchy description of your project to be used in communication towards the public.
School of Form Student Exhibition of objects for sensory garden. The context was Warsaw allotment gardens and urban green areas. Authors developed spatial forms that strengthen or enrich sensory landscape and make it more attractive for people with visual impairment. The exhibition aim was to reconnect with nature and make it more accessible and inclusive.

What was the geographical scope of your project?
Local

Where was your project implemented?
Member State(s) and Western Balkans
Poland

If relevant, insert names of region(s)/municipality(ies) involved
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Does your project address mainly urban or rural issues?
Mainly urban

Does your project refer to a physical transformation of the built environment or other types of transformations (hard or soft investments)?
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)

Has your project benefited from EU programmes and/or funds?
No

Has your project won an EU prize with a monetary value awarded?
No

Is your project fully completed
Yes

Please indicate a date (mm/yy)
2022-07-30

On whose behalf are you submitting the application?
As a representative of an organization, in partnership with other organisations
If you are submitting this project as part of a group, please provide the contact details of the other individuals or organisations
- Name of the organisation(s): Stowarzyszenie Aktywności Miejskich Rozkwit
  Type of organisation: Non-profit organisation
  First name of representative: Aleksandra
  Last name of representative: Andrzejewska
  Gender: Female
  Nationality: Poland
  Function: member of the board of organisation
  Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: ul. Dorotowska 9 m. 64
  Town: Warsaw
  Postal code: 02-347
  Country: Poland
  Direct Tel: +48 609 300 983
  E-mail: sam.rozkwit@gmail.com
  Website: http://samrozkwit.org
- Name of the organisation(s): School of Form SWPS University
  Type of organisation: University or another research institution
  First name of representative: Megi
  Last name of representative: Malinowska
  Gender: Female
  Nationality: Poland
  Function: academic tutor
  Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: Chodakowska 19/31
  Town: Warsaw
  Postal code: 03-815
  Country: Poland
  Direct Tel: +48 509 822 218
  E-mail: mmalinowska2@swps.edu.pl
  Website: https://www.sof.edu.pl/
Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.)
- URL: https://www.facebook.com/samrozkwit
  Social media handle and associated hashtag(s): @samrozkwit #samrozkwit #rozkwit
- URL: https://www.instagram.com/sam_rozkwit/
  Social media handle and associated hashtag(s): sam_rozkwit #samrozkwit #rozkwit #naprzoddzialki #naprzóddziałki
- URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sam-rozkwit/
  Social media handle and associated hashtag(s): sam rozkwit
- URL: https://www.instagram.com/schoolofform/
  Social media handle and associated hashtag(s): #schoolofform
In case my project is selected as a finalist of the NEB Prizes 2023, I agree to share the name (individual and/or organisation’s), email address, website and social media accounts indicated above with other NEB Prizes finalists. I also agree to publish the name (individual and/or organisation’s), website and social media accounts indicated above next to the public description of my project in the channels of the European Commission.
Yes

How did you hear about the New European Bauhaus Prizes?
from friends

Description of the project
Please provide a summary of your project.
“The Garden of the Senses” is a School of Form, SWPS Warsaw University student exhibition which consists of 25 projects for a sensory garden. The context for the projects was Warsaw allotment gardens and urban green areas. Authors developed spatial forms that strengthen and enrich sensory landscape and, above all, make it attractive and accessible for people with visual impairment. The exhibition consists of abstract and functional designs concentrated on sensual experience such as:
- A set porcelain objects for oils and roasted coffee used as natural insect repellents.
- A 3d tactile map that assists people in navigating through unknown places via touch.
- A multi-person sensorial seat weaved from straw. The author learned the weaving technique from local craftsmen from Podlasie region.
- Sensory ceramic bowls covered with textures inspired by nature or elegant cups decorated with thorns and spines.
- Handmade flower pots for celebrating the stroking of grass.
- A piece of furniture encouraging the users to rest closer to the ground.
- A musical instrument which uses rain and atmospheric phenomena as a source of sound.
- Practical solutions that facilitate gardening activities such as a ceramic watering can or multi functional object for planting microgreens.
“The Garden of the Senses” exhibition opens up a space of pleasure and diverse experiences. The senses merge into a synesthetic mixture creating an educational space and testing ground for different perspectives.

Please indicate the main themes of your project with 5 key words.
nature

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
design

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
accessibility

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
inclusion

Please indicate the main themes of your project with key words
senses

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of sustainability and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context.
Project “Garden of the Senses” responds to issues of broadly understood sustainability on different levels: 1) it emphasizes the key role of human contact with nature and the value of nature in the city, 2) shows the ecological potential of Warsaw allotment gardens and urban gardening; 2) links higher education with topics of nature and accessibility; 3) project created safe, relaxing and inclusive space for people of different age, gender, social and economical background, 4) educates local communities both in the field of environmental protection and aesthetics, 5) increases accessibility of urban green areas for people with disabilities. Project “Garden of the Senses” integrated local areas and local communities around the subject of respect for nature and social equity.

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of aesthetics and quality of experience for people (through design, positive emotions and cultural benefits) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context.
At the exhibition, you can find abstract works that evoke memories via the medium of fragrances and shapes, reflecting the diversity and richness of the gardens, as well as practical solutions that facilitate gardening activities. School of Form students of design faculty are provided with access to well equipped workshops and tutors with great design experience. This affects the outstanding quality and aesthetics of final products. Every object in the exhibition is produced with great final detail, original finishing, experiment and respect for material. Experiencing diversity of techniques, high level of quality and aesthetics enhances positive reception and emotions of the concept of the exhibition. It also underlines that projects made with highest care and understanding of complexity of the context speak louder to the audience, open them up to new experiences and sensitize them to ecology, nature, accessibility and different points of view. Such a concept, full of tenderness for nature, designed and handmade by the young generation, additionally enhances the positive impressions of the viewers.
quality - all senses; positive emotions - diverse audience

Please give information about the key objectives of your project in terms of inclusion (ranging from accessibility and affordability for all to inclusive governing systems, design for all principles or new societal models) and how these have been met. Please highlight how the project can be exemplary in this context.
1) Accessibility - one of main goals of the project was to initiate, support and exhibit design which makes nature more attractive for all participants including people with visual impairment.
2) Exprets - design/research process that preceded the exhibition was supported by experts - Multisenses Foundation (Fundacja Wielozmysły) which focuses on experiences and needs of the visually impaired community.
3) Location - “Garden of the Senses” was shown in places that are accessible for people with disabilities in three selected greenery areas in Warsaw.
Affordability - all events were free.
4) Inclusivity and anti-discrimination - In addition to the exhibition of student works, accompanying events were held: the guided tour for visually impaired people and the anti-discrimination workshops.

Please explain the way citizens benefiting from or affected by the project and civil society have been involved in the project and what has been the impact of this involvement on the project
Most important benefits for Warsaw citizens of the project:
1) increase of accessibility for visual impaired people of cultural events focused on nature,
2) promotion of reconnection with nature,
3) experiencing nature through different perspectives,
4) using urban green areas, allotment gardens as social connectors in the city,
5) common ground for sharing different experiences.

Please explain how different stakeholders at various levels (local, regional, national, European) were engaged in the design and implementation of the project. Please highlight what the added value of their engagement was.
SAM Rozkiwt NGO in cooperation with School of Form SWPS University, Warsaw developed a brief and a concept of the exhibition “The Garden of The Senses” with certain methodology, research part and experts invited.
Polish and International group of students of School of Form SWPS University Warsaw developed designs for the exhibition “The Garden of the Senses”. The exhibition took place in three locations in Warsaw:
1) Allotment Garden no 48 ROD “Obrońców Pokoju” - Warsaw / June 2022
2) Culture Center “Rotacyjny Dom Kultury” / July 2022
3) Culture Center “Dom Kultury Śródmieście - Kamień Pavillon” / August 2022

Authors of designs: Students School of Form SWPS University Warsaw - polish and international group of students worked together on the concept;
Curators: Megi Malinowska (Tutor School Of Form), Aleksandra Andrzejewska (SAM Rozkwit NGO)
Organization: Megi Malinowska (Tutor School Of Form), SAM Rozkwit NGO
Expert support: Multisenses Foundation (Fundacja Wielozmysły) - knowledge and experience in accessibility of culture issues;
Partners: School of Form SWPS University Warsaw, Greenery Office of the City of Warsaw, culture centre “Rotacyjny Dom Kultury”, culture centre “Dom Kultury Śródmieście”, Kamień Pavillon.
All partners of the exhibition added specific values to the final result of the exhibition.
1) SAM Rozkwit NGO - expert knowledge about green urban areas and Warsaw allotment gardens areas
2) Multisenses Foundation - research and expert knowledge about visual impaired people and culture accessibility
3) Megi Malinowska - Tutor School of Form, SWPS University Warsaw - expert knowledge of design process and production process,
4) the exhibition “The Garden of The Senses” was showcased in 3 different cultural and natural locations. This resulted in greater accessibility of the exhibition for the residents of Warsaw.

Please explain which disciplines and/ or knowledge fields were reflected in the design and implementation of your project. Please explain how representatives of these different fields interacted with each other, and what the added value of this process was.
“Garden of the Senses” is an interdisciplinary project that deals with intersecting fields: design, social research, land art, environmentalism, disability studies, social and ecological activism, education, garden design, social inclusiveness. It assumed cooperation between organizations and municipal units, as well as experts from various fields. Different backgrounds and experiences of people involved in the project made it possible to show the issues from different perspectives. In this way, it is a response to the present day when the boundaries between fields are fluid and crises require a multi-faceted analysis.

Please give information on the results, outcomes and impacts achieved by your project in relation to the category you apply for. This includes also benefits from the project for direct and indirect beneficiaries
1) Increase of the ecological awareness of the Warsaw community;
2) Increase of accessibility for visual impaired people of cultural events focused on nature;
3) New cooperation between the city, the university, ngo and many involved individuals;
4) Promotion of social diversity and open, tolerant society;
5) Presentation of nature in the city from new, exciting perspective; development of new ideas and inspirations of garden and greenery design that connect;
human and non-human species;

Please provide documents showing the results, outcomes and impacts of your project
Web link
Web link
Please highlight the innovative character of the project, when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the project
The project is the first cooperation of such a wide field of scholars, activists, students and organizations in Poland that focuses on allotment gardens, senses and accessibility. It shows the potential of senses-focused design which seeks experimental solutions for connecting nature and people and supports both environmentalism and inclusive spaces. Project redefined and developed traditional concept of sensory garden into more more diverse and innovative space.

Please describe the methodology or approach used in your project.
The context for the projects was Warsaw allotment gardens and urban green areas. Students analyzed the complex nature-culture of allotment gardens; they discovered the rituals of their human and non-human users; they studied the hand-made architecture of allotments and details of garden design. This research enabled the creation of a map of sensory experiences related to allotment gardens. Authors developed spatial forms that strengthen or enrich this sensory landscape and, above all, make it more attractive for people with visual impairment. “Garden of the Senses” is an interdisciplinary project that deals with intersecting fields: design, social research, landart, environmentalism, disability studies, social and ecological activism, education, garden design. The process consisted from: 1) research, 2) supervision, 3) collaboration with experts+organisations, 4) product design, 5) product production, 6) final exhibition in three places.

Please describe which elements of your project could be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries and context. This may involve for example aspects of the methodology, technology, processes, products, learnings etc.
Project can be replicated in different places, urban areas, rural areas worldwide and contexts in terms of methodology, learning methods and experts invited. The concept can be easily applied in different design schools and universities. Project deals with universal issues and addresses the need to renew contact with nature, especially in times of climate change impact and climate crisis aspects. Also it shows that design, deep research and expert knowledge are tools for developing accessibility of culture and nature.

Please explain what kind of global challenges the project addresses by providing local solutions
Global challenges that the project addresses:
1)climate crisis
2)renew contact with nature
3)accessibility of nature and culture
4)inclusiveness
5)sustainability
6)respecting diversity
7)education by design
8)empathy for nature
9)giving voice to the young generation
10)supporting talents
11)creating common areas for dialog
12)developing knowledge about protection, restoration and regeneration of natural ecosystems
13)developing life-centered perspective as an alternative to the human-centered one.
Please attach at least 6 high resolution images (or other types of visual representations, if images are not possible) to your application.
If you would like to upload additional documentation, please upload or write below
- broszura_druk_dwustronny.pdf
By submitting your application you confirm that you are the copyright owner of the images provided and that they can be used by the European Commission for the purposes of promoting the New European Bauhaus on all platforms (websites, print, social media and other).
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that you are not in in one or more of the exclusion situations foreseen under Article 136 of the Financial Regulation.
Yes

By submitting this application, I declare that I am not related to the entities subject to EU restricted measures under Article 29 of the Treaty on the European Union (TEU) and subject to Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU)1, and entities covered by Commission Guidelines No 2013/C 205/05), which are not eligible to participate in any capacity.
Yes

By ticking this box, you declare that all the information provided in this form is factually correct, that you assume sole liability in the event of a claim relating to the activities carried out in the framework of the contest, that the proposed project has not been proposed for the New European Bauhaus Prizes in any other category or strand and that it has not been subject to any type of investigation, which could lead to a financial correction because of irregularities or fraud.
Yes

By submitting your application, you guarantee that you are the author or have the rights to proceed with the application and to authorise the use of the project and that you have obtained any necessary consents, licenses or assignments from third parties and included copyright notices when necessary.
Yes

By submitting your application, you understand that all the applications that meet the eligibility requirements will be shared for the purposes of the selection processes, and notably published on the secured platform prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu and for the purposes of the promotion of these on the New European Bauhaus website and/or other European Commission communication channels. In this sense, the applications would be widely available. Applicants should ensure that they present their projects, in such a way that they could be shared without giving rise to intellectual property related concerns. If your submission is selected as one of the finalists, it will additionally be shared for the purpose of the public vote that will take place. The European Union is granted a licence to use and share your application with the general public and the official external experts for the purposes of the selection process, including the voting. The European Union has the right to use the images and visual materials and the description provided in the application for communication purposes related to the contest and beyond. Rights granted comprise the right to store, reproduce, display, publish and communicate or distribute copies in electronic or digital format, including, but not only, through the internet. Unless you have disclosed your name, the European Commission has no obligation to share your name when using or disseminating your contribution to the public. The European Union cannot be held responsible in case any submitted project, is found to infringe third party’s rights. The European Union shall be neither responsible for the use that third parties may do of the applications or related content.
Yes

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you read and understand that the ‘Guide to Applicants’ of the NEB Prizes 2023, available online in the website of the NEB Prizes 2023, is an integral part of this application form and that it must therefore be observed when completing and submitting your application.
Yes