WAK 2026: The relationship between humans and the landscape as the basis for ecosystem-based design

The ‘Contemporary Landscape Architecture 2026’ conference will take place in Katowice on 25–26 September 2026. This year’s edition will focus on the relationship between people and the landscape, and its significance in designing spaces that are accessible, intuitive and supportive of users’ everyday lives. Contemporary landscape design is increasingly demonstrating that the quality of a space depends not only on environmental, technical or aesthetic solutions, but also on how people experience a given place. Accessibility, intuitiveness, comfort of use, a sense of safety and the opportunity to build a relationship with the surroundings are becoming increasingly important.

During WAK 2026, the organisers aim to examine design in which people, as users of space, are the primary point of reference. The discussion will focus on how the needs of different user groups, the way a place is used, and the quality of everyday experience translate into design, planning and implementation decisions. The Contemporary Landscape Architecture Conference is an annual event organised by the Landscape Architecture Association. Its aim is to bring together different disciplines, present current issues relating to the profession of landscape architecture, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience amongst those working in this sector or in related fields.

The programme for this year’s edition will include expert talks, case studies, presentations of practical tools and study visits. The organisers invite landscape architects, architects, designers, contractors, materials manufacturers, representatives of local government, academia and business, as well as individuals and institutions involved in health, wellbeing and quality of life, to take part. As Jan Gehl notes in his book *Cities for People*, a well-designed city is like a good party: people stay longer than they planned. It is precisely this kind of space – one that is attractive, accessible and responsive to the ways in which it is actually used – that the participants at WAK 2026 will be discussing. whiteMAD magazine is the event’s media partner.

WAK 2026 FRAMEWORK AGENDA:

SESSION I: People at the heart of landscape design.

Lecture: Who is the user of the landscape?

Lecture: The relationship between people and the everyday landscape as the basis for design decisions.

Panel discussion: Do we really design for people?

SESSION II: Designing spaces for people – case studies (CALL FOR PAPERS).

Lecture: Designing accessible and inclusive spaces.

Lecture: Spaces that come alive.

Lecture: Designing the experience of a derelict site.

Panel discussion: What makes a space work for people?

SESSION III: From design to implementation – putting solutions into practice in the landscape.

Lecture: How to research users’ needs during the design process.

Lecture: Participation in practice – methods for working with users.

Lecture: Plants on spoil heaps – greenery in challenging and man-made environments.

Panel discussion: How to involve users in design without compromising quality.

WEBSITE: https://wak.sak.org.pl

REGISTRATION: https://wak.sak.org.pl/rejestracja