Wpis opublikowany 11.04.2025r.
The first school street in Gdynia (Poland)
Soap bubbles, live music, attractions for families and joy at the change worked out together – this was the opening ceremony of the first school street in Gdynia, which took place on September 10.
The neighborhood festival brought together students, parents, teachers, residents of the surrounding neighborhoods and everyone involved in this innovative project. The centerpiece of the event was the opening of a new mural on the asphalt, which is not only intended to decorate the space, but above all to improve the safety of young people.
But this project is more than just a new look for the street. It’s the result of a process in which young people played a key role. What did the whole process look like?
- First, the students, with the help of specialists, created several concepts for the new place… out of LEGO bricks! This creative approach became the starting point for discussions about the street’s functions, its problems and potential solutions.
- Based on research with young people, a creative brief was created, on which the design of the mural adorning the space was based. Students not only modified this design, but also designed the layout of urban furniture using cardboard boxes and were responsible for the greenery design.
- During sensory workshops and forest meditations, the young people planted their own sensory garden, which enriches the space in front of the school.
- But that’s not all! Through a series of workshops, the students planned street activation – events and activities that bring life back to the public space.
You probably no longer doubt that youth involvement is the key to creating friendly, vibrant urban spaces. In Gdynia, this is just the beginning of a shift in thinking about spaces around schools.
The project was made possible by the Asphalt Art Initiative program thanks to a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies and support from the City of Gdynia.