Publications
Sustainability Tourism Policy as a Tool to Minimise the Negative Effects of Overtourism: Case – UNESCO City of Kraków
Kraków faces significant challenges due to overtourism, with nearly 15 million visitors in 2024. While tourism contributes 8% to the city's GDP and supports 40,000 jobs, it has led to negative impacts on residents' quality of life and the transformation of historic districts into commercial zones. To address these issues, the local government implemented a sustainable tourism policy strategy in 2020, focusing on attracting affluent tourists, developing congresses, and managing areas such as night-time economy, short-term rentals, visitor dispersion, respect for locality, responsible behavior, and city reputation. This case study provides examples of actions taken to balance tourism development, offering insights into effective strategies for minimizing the negative effects of overtourism in UNESCO-listed cities.
Commemorating Polish history in the public spaces of county towns in autonomous Galicia (1861–1918)
Public spaces in autonomous Galicia (1861–1918) were transformed through commemorative monuments, plaques, and historical naming of streets, squares, and parks, reinforcing Polish national identity. Unlike previous studies focused on Lviv and Kraków, this research expands the scope to all county towns, revealing how these less prominent but significant urban spaces shaped collective memory. Monuments and celebrations, often placed near churches or town halls, imposed a Polish narrative on history, fostering community cohesion while marginalizing other ethnic-religious groups. The study highlights the intangible impact of material commemorations in public space.
Impact of Shading Effect from Nearby Buildings on Energy Demand and Load Calculations for Historic City Centres in Central Europe
A study on the historic centre of Kraków reveals that shading from nearby buildings significantly impacts energy demand for heating and cooling, with potential implications for HVAC system design. Researchers found that a typical five-floor residential tenement house from the early 20th century experienced an 8% increase in heating energy demand and a 50% reduction in cooling energy demand due to shading effects. This suggests that incorporating shading considerations into energy efficiency measures could optimize HVAC installations, particularly in historic city centres where urban morphology plays a crucial role in building performance. The study used statistical climate data as boundary conditions for simulation calculations.
The Role of Stakeholder Communication in Cultural Heritage Projects: the Case of the Wit Stwosz Altar
A well-structured stakeholder communication strategy was identified as a critical success factor in the conservation of the Wit Stwosz Altar, one of Europe's most significant cultural heritage projects. Conducted between 2015 and 2021 at St Mary’s Basilica in Krakówthe project involved comprehensive research and restoration efforts, including 3D laser scanning initiated in 2013. Despite disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was completed on time and within scope due to effective engagement with both internal and external stakeholders. The study highlights the importance of shared responsibility and tailored communication approaches in ensuring the success of large-scale heritage conservation initiatives.
A Concept of the Development of Riverside Embankment in the Context of Cracow (A Local Centre)
A proposed development concept for the degraded riverside embankment in Kraków-Zabłocie aims to transform it into a multifunctional complex that integrates museum, coworking, business, and hotel functions. This approach seeks to revitalize the area while addressing its historical context, legal status, community significance, and economic and ecological implications. The study employed a mixed-method research design, combining historical literature reviews, in situ examinations of environmental conditions, traffic analysis, photographic documentation, and SWOT analysis. Comparative studies with European riverside development projects informed the proposed concept, which prioritizes sustainable development and tourism enhancement—key priorities for Kraków. The findings suggest that such a multifunctional complex could become an integral part of the city's urban fabric while meeting local community needs.
Reconstruction of the morphology and hydrography of the centre of Kraków before the mid-13th century
A digital elevation model reveals that the historic center of Kraków, before rapid urban development in the mid-13th century, featured distinct topography and hydrography that likely influenced early settlement patterns. The study reconstructed the original relief using geology, archaeology, history, and cartographic data, validated through structural analysis and kriging methods. Findings suggest that the pre-human landscape, now obscured by cultural deposits, may have played a key role in shaping the city's development. The proposed geomorphological map offers a visual representation of this lost morphology, providing insights into the area's potential for encouraging early human habitation.
Influence of microclimate control scenarios on energy consumption in the Gallery of the 19th-Century Polish Art in the Sukiennice (the former Cloth Hall) of The National Museum in Krakow
A study on the Historic Centre of Kraków reveals that achieving optimal microclimate control for preserving historic collections can significantly impact energy consumption. The research, conducted using hygrothermal simulations and in situ measurements with WUFI®PLUS software, analyzed various scenarios for the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Art located in the Renaissance Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). Findings indicate that balancing strict microclimate control—crucial for preventing damage to artifacts—with energy efficiency is complex and requires interdisciplinary collaboration. The study, supported by the HERIVERDE project, highlights the need for guidelines based on ASHRAE and ICOM-IIC recommendations to minimize energy use while ensuring optimal conditions for conservation.
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