Bobrek Zachód and Bobrek Wschód

Remote place Poland Cieszyn

Cieszyn is a small town in Poland, with a population of about 32 thousand, situated on the border with the Czech Republic. Due to its small size and peripheral location from the perspective of both the country and the administrative region, it is affected by a number of social exclusion types, including transport exclusion. Bobrek is a part of the town which used to function as an independent neighbouring village. In 1932, it was incorporated into Cieszyn and merged with other districts. It is usually treated as a marginal area, left out of various initiatives and investments.

Bobrek was intended to be home to 18 thousand people. However, the plans to build a housing estate there were implemented only in part – instead of a large complex, two smaller developments were constructed. What is more, there is no social infrastructure – no cultural centres or schools that could function as initiators of a variety of activities. Public transport there is also largely limited, just like the offer of cultural and sports events. The neighbourhood has a huge advantage, though – its vast green areas, mostly undeveloped and semi-wild. It is often visited by families with kids and dog owners.

Bobrek is more than blocks of flats. There are numerous retail and service companies operating there, mostly small and medium-sized. Bobrek is also home to a branch of the University of Silesia. The different parts of Bobrek are often perceived as separate – in fact, most of its residents are not aware that their neighbourhoods form a single district.

The project:

Cieszyn is a small town in Poland with around 32,000 inhabitants, located on the border with the Czech Republic. Bobrek is now part of the town, but used to be an independent neighbouring village. Bobrek was intended to house 18,000 people, for which a large building complex was designed. This idea of
new housing options was ultimately implemented in the form of two small settlements. These settlements are not linked to any social infrastructure and are therefore not connected to any cultural centres, schools, or public transport.
Living in Bobrek therefore offers few prospects for people who want to lead a communal and networked life. The aim of the activities with the residents is to design and programme areas between the two settlements for joint activities.

In 2024 within Human Cities project, Zamek Cieszyn is in the process of implementing several micro-interventions in the green area of Bobrek:

  • installation of urban furniture – to offer residents more spots to sit down and enjoy the space,
  • installation of 3 educational boards about history and nature of Bobrek – to preserve and promote the heritage of the place and strengthen local identity,
  • installation of outdoor library – to prompt local exchange among residents and add some cultural aspect to the area,
  • painting of the basketball court – drawing of lines, some field games and arts – to make it more functional and visually attractive,
  • working with youth to help them write a project for a calisthenics yard within Cieszyn civic budget grants.

The aim of these activities is to encourage residents to spend more time outdoors, enjoying their green space. Activate young people and foster intergenerational integration on the housing estate.

Also several events took place:

  • Eco event: The great clean-up of Bobrek. On 27th  April 2024.
  • Travelling talk on designing public spaces for young people
  • Travelling talk on active citizen participation

 

Windows on the Future selected

Windows on the Future are thematic lenses through which we can look into the future to start regenerating remote places into more liveable environments. Discover more about it.

WoF1 - Citizenship and Governance
Wof2 - Sustainable living
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