PARTICIPATION OF STUDENT TEAMS IN URBAN AND ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS OF THE CITIES OF THE UPPER SILESIAN-ZAGLEBIE METROPOLIS ON THE EXAMPLE OF BYTOM

The article concentrates on the problems connected with combining the didactic process conducted at a university with practical activities carried out by cities. The article objective is to show the methods of active participation of students of the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice in the process of urban renewal and ways of introducing the educational process into specific urban and architectural projects of the cities of the Upper Silesian-Zaglebie Metropolis.

The presented study is based on cooperation undertaken by the Department of Urban and Spatial Planning at the Faculty of Architecture of the Silesian University of Technology with the city of Bytom in the academic year 2017/2018. The agreement concerned the development of study urban concepts of revitalization areas, intended for housing development in Bytom. The established agreement with the Faculty of Architecture is part of a comprehensive approach to the city's revitalization process. The participation of student project teams in the creation of new urban spaces is the basis for discussion, public presentation and evaluation by residents and potential external stakeholders. The developed solutions are also an inspiration for the initiatives and innovative urban and architectural projects undertaken in the degraded areas of Bytom.

The Department of Urban and Spatial Planning has been cooperating with the cities of the Upper Silesian-Zaglebie Metropolis for many years, conducting research, studying, conceptual and expert studies in the field of architecture and urban planning. Cooperation with external partners enables introducing the education process into urban and planning practice. Implementation of projects in the form of Project Based Research or Project Based Learning gives students the opportunity for comprehensive development - practical development of scientific passions, professional competences and entrepreneurship.