Architecture of higher education in Poland in the context of sustainable development

Abstract

The beginning of the 21st century was in Poland a period of intense investment activity in the development of infrastructure for higher education. University campuses have the potential to become an excellent model of architecture and urban planning with ideal symbiosis of learning and working, residence and recreation. Ecology issues must have value of moral imperative and are an expression of social responsibility for politicians, teachers and the media, as opinion-forming centres. By virtue of this mission, universities should therefore be interested in promoting sustainable architecture to minimize adverse effects on the environment and to shape ecological society. But many campuses of polish universities do not develop perfectly. Developed on the city suburbs they do not support the idea of compact city and the process of re-urbanization. Often there is a lack of application of the principles of sustainable development. We see ad hoc method of developing campuses, tendency to suburbanization, waste of space and public funds, too little concern for the environment and not enough renewable energy. Institution of higher education must develop in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. This is the direction specified, as a priority, in the European economy and it’s profitablity to private companies. Universities as institutions that use public funds for its functioning and development, are obliged to the rational management, with attention to Social Affairs and future generations.