Paweł Kobierzewski, a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, has been named a recipient of the Europe 40 Under 40 Award. This prestigious international award recognizes architects, designers, and young artists who demonstrate a unique design language, innovative spirit, and the potential to truly influence the future of European architecture.
This is significant news for the academic community at the Silesian University of Technology. Paweł Kobierzewski graduated from the Faculty of Architecture in 2010 and was involved in the student government during his studies. Today, he combines design practice, educational activities, popularization, and work with modern technologies, from BIM and VR to AI tools supporting the design process and architectural communication.

Europe 40 Under 40 is a program run by The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design, and Urban Studies and The Chicago Athenaeum. Each year, it recognizes forty artists under 40 who represent new trends in architecture, urban planning, design, and spatial planning. This is a personal award, but it is awarded based on specific projects that demonstrate the scale, quality, and potential of an architect's work.
The importance of the distinction is clearly demonstrated by the list of previous winners. Award-winning artists include Bjarke Ingels, the Barozzi Veiga duo, the architects of the Szczecin Philharmonic, and, in the Polish context, Robert Konieczny, Tomasz Konior, Andrzej Truszczyński, and Maciej Franta. Paweł Kobierzewski has now joined this group, representing the Silesian architectural community and alumni of the Faculty of Architecture of the Silesian University of Technology.
Paweł Kobierzewski received the award for three projects: Sol@res - Rzeszów Water Park, Primary School No. 17 in Ruda Śląska, and the Water Park in Stalowa Wola. This collection of projects and designs showcases the broad spectrum of the architect's work: from large sports and recreational facilities, through educational architecture, to complex public programs designed for specific cities and communities.
Sol@res - Rzeszów Water Park is a project that transcends the traditional understanding of a water park. It combines recreation, sport, leisure, and a new urban experience, while also aligning with a broader vision for the development of this part of Rzeszów. As part of the project, a master plan for the new Future Park district is being developed in collaboration with Winy Maas of MVRDV, one of the most influential contemporary urban planners.

Primary School No. 17 in Ruda Śląska is an example of modern educational architecture that combines function, safety, light, and everyday comfort for its users. The project was created in collaboration between TKHolding and the Hornik Chmura Architektura studio. Local conditions, including mining damage, necessitated a responsible technical approach and precise consideration of the building's durability. The school demonstrates that public architecture can be simultaneously functional, local, and internationally recognizable.

The Water Park in Stalowa Wola, whose construction is currently underway, is a project that combines sports, recreation, leisure, and strong references to the city's identity. Of particular importance is the spa and sauna area, inspired by Art Deco and the work of Tamara de Łempicka, where reproductions of her paintings are planned. This will make the facility not only a place for activity and regeneration, but also a unique art gallery integrated into the daily experience of its users.
Another important element of Paweł Kobierzewski's work is his collaboration with leading architects. He co-designed the Rzeszów cultural center known as the Nova Library, developed in collaboration with Kengo Kuma, one of the most recognizable Japanese architects in the world. As part of his work on Sol@res, he is collaborating with Winy Maas of MVRDV on the masterplan for Future Park.
Paweł Kobierzewski's recognition also has a unique team dimension. His partner, Andrzej Truszczyński, previously won the Europe 40 Under 40 award. TKHolding is the first practice in Poland to have two partners receive this award separately, for different sets of projects. Andrzej Truszczyński was recognized for Wodny Park Tychy, the Water Factory in Szczecin, and the Chełmski Wodny Park, while Paweł Kobierzewski was recognized for Sol@res, the School in Ruda Śląska, and the Water Park in Stalowa Wola. This marks six projects related to TKHolding recognized in this program.

Paweł Kobierzewski is a member of the Silesian Regional Chamber of Architects, co-owner of TKHolding, a university lecturer, and an active promoter of architecture. On social media and on YouTube, including his channel "Leading Architecture," he shares behind-the-scenes insights into an architect's work, the design process, and the role of new technologies in design.

He is also one of the founders of the Ładnie Foundation, which promotes the quality of public space, architectural education, and more.