Faculty of Design — Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw
28.09—22.10.2023

The project accompanies the 15th edition of the exhibition and festival WARSAW UNDER CONSTRUCTION “The Cold Days Are Over”

The video presented at the exhibition tells the story of temperature dynamics in several public spaces in the Powiśle and Solec districts in Warsaw. The research-visual experiment proposed by Gabriela Piwar allows us to observe how the facades of buildings and the renovated Łazienkowska Route heat up, while also highlighting that the surrounding boulevards and parks naturally regulate temperature differences through the presence of greenery.

In the frames of the thermographic film created, one can primarily observe aspects of the urban landscape that are imperceptible to the human eye. Moving images identify areas with varying degrees of sunlight, revealing the impact of ambient temperature on both human and non-human entities and showcasing elements of infrastructure generating higher amounts of heat. Evocative patches of color reveal what lies beneath the surface of the everyday views we encounter and invite us to collectively reflect on the future of the places we live in.

This visual record of temperature differences can serve as a tool for better understanding the influence of external factors on the urban environment and the quality of life for local residents, as well as for interpreting relationships within the neighborhood. How do thermal relationships change between green and built-up areas, and how does nature adapt to new climate conditions? Can we still influence heat regulation through design methods and appropriate materials, or do we simply need more trees?

Cooperation: Romuald Demidenko, Michał Grzegorzek
Consultations: Agata Szydłowska, Paweł Grobelny 

Acknowledgements: Wiktor Nalewaj, Testo Polska, Joanna Klikowicz, Miasto Jest Nasze, Filip Krupa

Text layout design: Magda Małczyńska-Umeda