The Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz hosted the conference “Plany ogólne – wspólna sprawa” (General Plans – A Shared Matter), devoted to the challenges associated with implementing general plans in the Łódź Voivodeship on 29 April 2026. The event brought together nearly 350 participants, clearly demonstrating both strong interest in the topic and the demand for a platform enabling the exchange of experience. While representatives of local government units constituted the majority of attendees, the conference also welcomed numerous representatives of other public institutions, design offices, professional self‑governments and universities.
The conference created a unique space for the integration of stakeholders involved in strategic and spatial planning processes within local government units. Urban planners and architects, academic staff, designers from planning studios, representatives of central and regional government administration, local government officials at various levels, as well as representatives of environmental protection and cultural heritage institutions, met at one table – both as speakers and as participants in the discussions. This inclusive format enabled a multi‑dimensional perspective on the preparation and implementation of general plans, encompassing planning and formal‑legal aspects, institutional frameworks and everyday planning practice.
The conference programme comprised three panel discussions, addressing challenges related to the preparation of general plans from design, institutional and local government perspectives. The panels were preceded by a ceremonial opening and the presentation of awards in the competition organised by the Towarzystwo Urbanistów Polskich for the best‑developed public space in the Łódź Voivodeship.
The conference confirmed that general plans are far more than planning documents: they represent responsible decision‑making, dialogue and tangible challenges affecting thousands of municipalities across Poland. It is hoped that the discussions initiated on that day will contribute to improving the quality of spatial planning processes in the Łódź Voivodeship and, more broadly, throughout Poland.
The event was organised by the Towarzystwo Urbanistów Polskich, Łódź Branch, the Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning of the Lodz University of Technology, the Faculty of Economics and Sociology of the University of Lodz and the Marshal’s Office of the Łódź Voivodeship. The conference was held under the honorary patronage of the Marshal of the Łódź Voivodeship, Joanna Skrzydlewska. The event partner was the Łódź Voivodeship – the Marshal’s Office of the Łódź Voivodeship.
Source: Dr Ewa Boryczka-Kubiak
Photos: Alicja Kostulska, Nadia Sauter, SKN SPATIUM
Edit: Dr Jakub Zasina
