Events associated with growing suburbanisation and transport infrastructure lead to changes in the use of rural land reaching further and further from the central city. The present research focuses on the impact of the location of the municipality of Skawina and the functioning of its rural areas in the impact zone of Kraków. The first step to determine the transformations in the municipality of Skawina caused by the growth of Kraków and its suburban zone was to investigate the internal conditions in the municipality, such as its spatial development or functional structure, and external conditions such as its demographic transformations. Next, the development of the settlement structure in recent years and land management changes were investigated. The paper focuses on the introduction of typical urban features and functions into rural areas to identify the transformations and their dynamics. The status of the space was diagnosed by interpreting the map documentation for the administrative boundaries of the municipality of Skawina, regarding the presentation of the spatial development in 2006 and in 2014 to 2016, by verifying the existing planning documentation, and by visiting the site. The conclusions can be the basis for guidelines to protect the traditional rural and cultural landscape near Kraków.

Aim of the study: The paper focuses on the introduction of nature-based solutions (NBS) into modern cities to control and counteract effects of climate change. The focal point was highly-urbanised historic areas. The research was conducted in Kraków, the second-largest city in Poland, the...

The historical cultural landscape of villages absorbed into expanding urban areas is being lost amid the multiplication of rapidly developing modern housing estates. This process is particularly pronounced in post-socialist cities such as Krakow and Lviv. The urban -architectural features of the former villages – such as building layouts, form and height, timberwork, façade materials and colours, roof types, architectural details, and the character of their immediate surroundings - once reflected a rural residential model rooted in agricultural traditions, notably in the Bronowice and Znesinnya districts. This traditional model is increasingly eroded by dynamic urban change, technological progress, and investment pressure. Consequently. Through analysis of historical documents, iconography, and cartographic materials, complemented by research field inventory, a model of traditional suburban village architecture was developed. Employing the author’s ‘building cohesion’ methodology, a detailed field inventory was conducted, and a critical zone for cultural heritage was delineated within Bronowice—a district experiencing intense development pressures. Drawing on findings from Bronowice, two development scenarios were projected for Znesinnya: one advocating harmonious, sustainable growth that respects the traditional village layout; and a second, pessimistic scenario forecasting unregulated development similar to that in Bronowice. The forecasts suggest that, without preventive legal and planning interventions, as well as both top-down and grassroots initiatives to promote awareness of the area’s rural origins, Znesinnya is likely to follow a similar trajectory of cultural landscape degradation.

The development of urban areas over the last several decades has significantly contributed to climate change. The modern approach to spatial planning and land management responds to the adaptation of cities to changing climate conditions and the need for a liveable environment. The land use of new green spaces and the upgrading of the existing ones should include adaptation to the present and future climate conditions. Cities can adjust to climate change in many different ways. Over the years, the expansion of urban areas has generated a trend towards higher average temperatures than in rural areas, especially in densely populated urban centres with scarce vegetation where temperatures tend to be higher. City growth is detrimental to the natural environment and water circulation. Insufficient vegetation contributes to high air temperature in cities and urban heat islands. In addition, poor water retention and water infrastructure exacerbate urban droughts and floods. Therefore, efforts should be interdisciplinary and multi-faceted to achieve the best results. Adaptation to climate change faces in Poland multiple and diversified barriers. Hence the question: what is happening at the social level? Are residents of cities conscious of the problem, and do they know how to respond to it? What are the barriers concerning climate change? The paper investigates the public awareness of climate change in Poland. The results demonstrate that there is insufficient awareness of climate change in Polish society and a broad remedial measures are needed.

In recent decades, Polish cities have experienced unprecedented development and significant changes in landscaped and unmanaged green spaces. The dynamics of these processes depend on a city’s size, its role in the settlement structure, and local conditions. The increase in built-up and paved areas within the urban structure exacerbates negative consequences, including those related to climate change and a decrease in the quality of life for urban inhabitants. The research concerning Kraków addresses the question: What changes are occurring in the city’s green areas in the context of changes in single--family and multi-family building areas, with distinctions made between individual districts?