Siewierz Jeziorna

Siewierz Jeziorna is an innovative district in Siewierz, located in the Silesian Voivodeship, designed according to the principles of New Urbanism and the idea of sustainable development. The history of this ecological settlement begins in 2007, when the land development concept was first conceived. The project, referred to as Eco-Town Siewierz, aims to create friendly, multifunctional public spaces that promote a healthy lifestyle and an ecological approach to living. The implementation of the concept heavily relied on the urban planning workshop method known as charrette, which facilitated the integration of local authorities and the community. The lead designer was Maciej M. Mycielski, who collaborated with international experts, including David Pace, known for his work on sustainable towns in the United States. The official opening of the district took place in 2014, and in November of the same year, the Code of Good Neighbourhood was adopted to ensure a high quality of life for residents and environmental protection. The district is situated between the Przeczycko-Siewierskie Reservoir and National Road No. 1, and it is planned to eventually accommodate 10,000 residents, making it one of the largest initiatives of its kind in Poland. As of July 2018, nearly 200 people lived in Siewierz Jeziorna, with another 160 residential units under construction. However, the project is not without controversy, which has raised doubts about its cultural acceptance. Critics such as Małgorzata Goślińska and Professor Bohdan Jałowiecki pointed out issues related to the imposed lifestyle and appearance of the homes, sparking extensive media discussion. Opponents of the criticism, such as Professor Magdalena Staniszkis, emphasized that arguments against urban development concepts could be harmful to their future. The entire investment aims to create a model sustainable city that can inspire other initiatives in Poland and abroad.