Post-competition exhibition of student design works at the University of Beira Interior in Portugal
On May 29th , 2025 at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Beira Interior in Covilha, the finalization of the exhibition of competition works of students of the Silesian University of Technology “Garagem de São João in Covilha – design concept and adaptation of the former garage with its surroundings for new functions” took place.
The competition took place in the winter semester 2024/25 in the Department of Theory, Design and History of Architecture of the Faculty of Architecture of the Silesian University of Technology in cooperation with BNX Investimentos, Lisbon and the University of Beira Interior in Covilha. The subject of the competition was to implement the concept of modernization and adaptation for new purposes of the building of the former modernist bus garage in Covilha, while maintaining its historic values.
The initiators and main organizers of the competition were: Prof. Dr Hab. Eng. Arch. Magdalena Żmudzińska-Nowak (Department of Theory, Design and History of Architecture of the Faculty of Architecture), Dr Arch. Mariana Couto de Oliveira (University of Beira Interior) and owner and head of the BNX Investimentos company from Lisbon Marco Reina Costa.
Two project teams were awarded the main prize in the form of a trip to the exhibition finissage and participation in the final debate. These were: Paulina Miszczak, Karolina Supron (work done under the supervision of Dr Arch. Karolina Chodura) and Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak (work done under the supervision of Dr Arch. Rafał Radziewicz-Winnicki)
Four awards were also granted to:
- Oliwia Jagła, Magdalena Majsak (supervisor: Dr Arch. Karolina Chodura),
- Renata Hajduk, Natalia Ściora (supervisor: Dr Arch. Elżbieta Rdzawska-Augustin),
- Alicja Szedel, Krzysztof Szyjka (supervision: Prof. Arch. Magdalena Żmudzińska-Nowak),
- Wiktoria Gałendek (supervisor: Dr Arch. Magdalena Wałek).
All the awarded works were on display at the University of Beira Interior in Covilha throughout May.
The final public debate took place on the 29th of May in the main hall of the University of Beira Interior with the participation of the organizers: Prof Magdalena Żmudzińska-Nowak and Dr Magdalena Wałek, Mariana Couto de Oliveira UBI, the authorities of the city of Covilha, including representatives of the planning department and the conservator of monuments - Arch. Carolina Batitsta, Investor - Marco Reina Costa BNX Investimentos, and awarded students: Paulina Miszczak, Karolina Supron, Dorota Cichoń, Aleksandra Chylak, as well as local media - Radio Covilha.
All the awarded projects were presented, and then there was a very interesting discussion, from which conclusions will probably contribute to saving the valuable object.
Photographs by M. Żmudzinska, M. Wałek, K. Supron, P. Miszczak
poster design: Patrycja Czubaj
