Category: News

RPG: Infinite worlds of imagination. Meet Martha, Olivia’s Adventure League Game Master!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

““Dungeons and Dragons” is definitely more than a game. It’s a phenomenon, a phenomenon, a story. It is the forerunner of all RPGs. And that’s right, if you only know the term RPG from the TV series “Stranger Things”, or you already know perfectly well what you are eating with and you are looking for companions to experience an amazing adventure, be sure to read a shortinterview with Marta Bukowska, the Master of the Game in the Adventure LeagueOlivia’s O’E. You’ll learn what madeher fall in love with RPGs, how this love comes in handy in her professional career, and why it’s worth becoming a part of the League’s creative community.

 

Ela Nowak, Olivia Centre: Where did your passion for RPGs come from?

 

Marta Bukowska, Adventure League: I consider myself a creative person, I’ve always liked interesting stories, I wanted to do something different, exciting, new. And that’s how D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) began. One evening, bored, I started looking up Uncle Google for information about D&D. I’d heard the name before, but it wasn’t something popular with my friends. So I got to know D&D as an adult, unlike my current friends from the League, most of whom have been playing since I was a child. That’s how my love for RPGs began. I was lost and I don’t regret it.

 

 

How did you joinOlivia’s Adventure League?

 

I’ve played and played games before, but I don’t think they were adventures with miniatures, boards, maps. Now it’s the norm for me, but before there were only computers and electronic mats and it was definitely not enough. How did I join the League? I found her by accident on Facebook, almost a year ago, when I wasn’t Olivia’s employee yet. During one of the games, Maciek from the League mentioned that they need DMs [Dungeon Master*]. And that’s how I stayed.

 

*Dungeon Master – The Game Master prepares the session for the players and then supervises the course of the game. It controls all events in the world and the behavior of characters that are not controlled by the players.

 

What do you like about the Adventure League?

 

For ease and flexibility. We are all busy people. Of course, it would be nice to run epic campaigns that last for years, but hardly anyone can afford that. In the Adventure League, I can assume that for the next two or three weeks I have time to meet on Tuesdays. And that’s it. Maybe I’ll take a two-month break and then join a new adventure? It’s up to me to decide; That’s a big plus.

 

We also don’t have to worry about space. After all, not everyone has the conditions to run campaigns at home. Not everyone has a 4-meter table [laughs].

 

There are new people coming in the league all the time, which is really cool. We even do sessions in English, for foreign-speaking players. There are no limits here. Anyway, I really wanted to play in English, because that’s how I started and that’s how I learned to play. My first teammates came from the USA, Germany or France. Translating RPGs into Polish was difficult, even though it’s my native language. I still don’t like some of the translations.

 

If you’re familiar with RPGs, you know how valuable it is to be able to play with different Game Masters. Each of them has a different style of gameplay. There are also various systems. It’s worth trying and opening up to new things.

 

In the League, we run not only D&D but also Cthulu, Clanarchy, and soon maybe Vampire Masquerade. So it’s always possible to try different systems to see what works for me. Choose what turns you on the most.

 

 

What is the prIs there an entry fee? I’m new, what’s going on with me?

 

You are met by four very friendly Game Masters. You meet a group of people who are just as positively crazy. Everyone has started out like you at some point, so don’t worry.

 

On Facebook, we announce the adventures we run. Each DM posts a short description and information on how many people can take part in the game; Usually 3 to 5. I, for one, am about to host “Mysterious Excavations.”

 

I usually start with the so-called. “session zero”. I meet with each person individually, especially when they are new, and guide them through the character creation process. I could give them a ready-made, but I like it when my players are creative, when they can empathize with their RPG alter-ego. I also briefly present the rules, tell you what the game looks like and what the game entails.

 

Should I take anything with me?

 

You don’t need to bring anything with you. Well, maybe a pencil, because there is always a shortage of them. Someone must be eating them [laughs]. We can print the character sheet, we have dice to lend. You just have to have the willingness. We laugh in the League that a new person should bring a good mood, the aforementioned pencil and snacks to bribe the DM [laughs]. However, the most important thing is to make the game fun for everyone.

 

Is there any adventure thatyou remember as the best?

 

You know, every adventure is different. I’m sorry, but RPG savoir-vivre doesn’t let me choose. [laughs].

 

What would you say to those whocan’t make up their minds?

 

They need to know that it’s not just for complete nerds [laughs]. There is no other place where you can create such amazing stories. There is no other place like this, where even the craziest plans can be put into practice. In the League, you can let your imagination run wild and you are not judged in any way for it. It’s a safe space for creative people. After all, it was the only place where the figure of a halfling barbarian could be created, fighting with a fork twice as much as her. After all, Praline, because that’s her name, I couldn’t create anywhere else! [laughs]

 

Has RPG changedanything in your life?

 

Thanks to RPGs, you are more open in your private life. You gain distance to yourself. I, for one, had a problem with showing what I liked. I was afraid that I would be judged for my hobby or by its prism. Unnecessarily. Now I believe in myself more. In addition, RPG forces you to think creatively outside the box, because non-standard problem solving is the order of the day here. It also taught me how to manage people, and as a player – how to work in a group. It works well as a way of team building in companies.

 

RPGs open up the world and open people up to the world. I think that’s cool.

 

What you need to know:

  • The adventure usually lasts 2-3 meetings
  • meetings are held on Tuesdays at O4 Coworking (Olivia Four)
  • start at 17:00
  • Duration: 2 to 4 hours
  • sign up for a specific adventure on
    Olivia’s Adventure League’s Facebook page
  • You don’t have to take anything with you except a good attitude!

 

In pictures:

  • Adventure League meeting, an adventure led by DM Maciej Wojciechowski
  • Figurines made by a member of the Adventure League: Michał Hewelt, objectively by Adam Marczak from Olivia’s Photography Club
  • The stand of the Adventure League during Olivia’s event, hosted by Marta Bukowska and Maciej Wojciechowski

 

 

Olivia with a maximum WELL score for an encore!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Olivia Centre has maintained the world’s first maximum score in the international WELL certification. For the second time, it has been recognized as a completely safe, friendly and responsible place to work, receiving confirmation from the International Well Building Institute (IWBI) in New York. A year after the first certification, it maintained a maximum score of 25 points out of a possible 25 in all categories analyzed. The safety of building users was checked, as well as solutions improving the quality of life in the business centre. It received this rating in 22 basic categories and in 3 additional categories related to the innovations implemented in its area.

 

A year ago, Olivia achieved such a high result as the first business centre in the world, which confirms that Gdańsk’s buildings are among the world’s top business leaders. Olivia has confirmed its class for the second time – says Marcin Gawroński , Director of the Green Building Department at SWECO, the company responsible for carrying out the recertification in Olivia. – Safety, employee well-being, and high indoor water and air quality are the hallmarks of WELL Health-Safety Rating facilities. Last year, Olivia Centre achieved the maximum score in all analysed categories and this year it repeated this achievement. This is a huge success and a confirmation of the safety conditions and responsible approach to the management of the Olivia building complex – adds Marcin Gawroński.

 

The WELL Health-Safety Rating is a data-driven, third-party verified assessment for buildings, focusing on the analysis of operating policies, use and maintenance standards, stakeholder engagement and contingency plans to ensure maximum safety and comfort for their occupants. The certification is based on insights from nearly 600 government officials, scientists, business leaders, virologists, architects, designers, construction scientists, and real estate professionals, as well as the WELL building standard – the world’s leading platform for the development of healthy buildings and spaces. Many famous people from around the world have been involved in the extensive campaign for safety certification and restoring trust in public spaces, including Jennifer Lopez, Lady GaGa, Venus Williams, Robert DeNiro, Michael Jordan and many more.

 

You can view a campaign video on this page.

 

Proving actions through external validation confirms the commitment and concern for people’s well-being in every aspect. The assessment shows that Olivia Centre prioritises health and wellbeing, instilling confidence in frequent visitors and the wider community around it – wrote in a congratulatory letter Rachel Gordon, CEO of the International Well Building Institute in New York.

 

In addition to the well-being of building occupants, WELL certification includes a precise assessment of extensive infrastructure that improves safety and quality of life and work. A number of solutions have been noticed in Olivia Centre, which position it as a leader in the implementation of technologies that protect the health and life of employees in an imperceptible way. Olivia was one of the first office centers in the world to implement ion air purification technology in its buildings, previously used in the world’s most prestigious facilities, including the White House, the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, as well as in Gulfstream’s private jets. The installed devices saturate all rental areas with ions that have the ability to destroy viruses, bacteria and other pathogens in the ventilated air. The air purification process takes place continuously while people are in the room, so the fight against the pathogen begins from the moment it appears in the room.

 

In addition, the air filtration level has been increased from G4 to F7 in air handling units, which is one of the highest filtration levels currently available. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) sensors were installed. Thanks to this, it is possible to monitor air purity and, as a result, eliminate harmful compounds from the fresh air drawn in from the outside and forced inside the buildings. Systems for controlling the intensity of air exchange based on the knowledge of current CO2 measurement results have also been installed, which contributes to a significant increase in the comfort of staying in the workplace.

 

The certification also includes initiatives implemented in the field of employee well-being. Projects organized on Olivia’s patio, sports sections, exhibitions of paintings, photographs and sculptures, as well as a publicly accessible, year-round exotic garden, in which there are nearly 4 thousand plants reaching up to 11 meters in height, were noticed. All these events and amenities can be used by Olivia’s residents and guests in a safe way, thanks to the solutions used. The sum of the solutions adopted resulted in such a high rating of the IWBI.

 

Rent a parking space with the My Olivia app!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Update February 15, 2024

We encourage you to commute to work by bike whenever possible and to use public transport. However, we know that when autumn and winter slush and snow come, we are more willing to travel by car (it’s best to take your friends with you; it’s more economical and better for the environment).

 

Now beware! If you have the My Olivia app and have confirmed your resident status, you can rent a parking space in the underground garage of the building where you work! The offer also includes a parking space in the outdoor car park of the Familia Shopping Centre (Parking CH Familia).

 

Everything takes a few moments. Learn how.

 

  • Download My Olivia from the App Store or

    Google Play

     (if you don’t have it yet) and confirm your resident status.
  • Click on the PARKING LOTS icon in the app.
  • Then PURCHASE A SUBSCRIPTION.
  • Go through everything STEP BY STEP (it’s quick and easy).

 

How long can you rent a place for?

  • 1 day
  • 2 days
  • 30 days
  • Parking CH Familia: 30 days (only option)

 

How much does it cost?

  • 1 day – 30 PLN
  • 2 days – 50 PLN
  • 30 days – 375 PLN
  • Parking lot CH Familia: 30 days – 290 PLN

 

The instructions at a glance:

  • Click on the PARKING icon
  • Click on BUY SUBSCRIPTION
  • You enter the registration number of the vehicle
  • You choose the building you work in (where your building card works!)
  • You check if your access card number is correct (thanks to it you will also open the barrier)
  • You check if the order is correct.
  • If you want to receive an invoice, tick the “Invoice” checkbox.
  • You pay for everything and you’re done!

 

After paying for the subscription, the PARKING module in the My Olivia application shows you the active, purchased subscription. You also receive an email notification.

 

7 years of O4 Coworking… in numbers!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Our O4 Coworking is celebrating its 7th anniversary! So let’s give the floor to the representatives of O4, who decided to tell us about themselves… Numbers. And there’s a lot to be proud of!

 

THEREFORE… O4 COWORKING ABOUT ITSELF!

 

There are currently 167 of us, even though we are 1 coworking space and we are only 7 years old! How is that possible? The answer can be found in the O4ian satisfaction surveys, which we have been systematically conducting for years, and this is confirmed by the fact that although the pandemic caused a temporary regression in office leasing, in subsequent quarters of 2020 we observed a systematic rebound. On the occasion of the 7. On the occasion of the birthday of O4 Coworking, we had to sum up. Since the end of winter this year, we have been able to celebrate everyday life together at work again, and in July we rented the last, 65th year. office. Take a look at what we got out of these numbers.

 

We’re still growing

During the first half of 2022, 37 companies joined O4 and thus we are approaching a situation in which the O4 Coworking team will be left without an office. However, this is good news for us, the companies that are with us are gradually growing and it also happens that they migrate between spaces – from smaller to larger ones. Since February 2015, almost 500 companies of all sizes have passed through our coworking space. Currently, the O4ian community consists of about 1400 people who meet in an area of about 4000 m2. In the second quarter of 2022, we broke our sales record.

 

 

 

We like to learn

Those who are with us know that O4 Coworking is not only about offices and desks, but also about shared time, integration, networking and workshops – that is Warsztatownia.

 

Since 2018, two years before the creation of O4 Flow – a coworking space for women, 79 per cent of women have been working in the EU. The participants of our workshops were women. Among the most popular topics, chosen by about two-thirds of people, were: project management, personal branding, self-presentation and negotiations. Others willingly participated in trainings in the areas of creativity, communication and e-commerce.

 

The temporary switch to webinars during the pandemic increased the reach of the Workshop. 2020 was a record-breaking year in terms of the number of participants. We still prefer to learn in autumn. Our research shows that it is at this time of the year that the Workshop is most popular.

 

In general, live workshops win over online ones. They are chosen by 59 per cent. Participants. With the passing of the pandemic, there is also less and less interest in webinars – from a few hundred people to 20 during a webinar.

 

We are stationary and … Virtually

It’s been two years since we launched our virtual office service. This year, since August, we have expanded its scope and customers have more options, such as flexible access to desks, conference rooms on preferential terms, as well as the attractions of Olivia Centre – Olivia Garden or the observation deck.

 

After the change of packages, about 70 per cent. of customers have opted for the GOLD option, which, in addition to the registered address and correspondence handling, also provides access to the space and access to the attractions of Olivia Centre.

 

Dynamic changes and crises cause various bumps, but so far the upcoming recession has turned out to be the time of the greatest growth for us.

 

 

 

 

What will the 8th year bring for O4 Coworking? We look at it with great curiosity and we are ready for the next challenges.

 

 

More about O4 COWORKING

 

Olivia Garden awarded the prestigious 2022 European Property Awards!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Our phenomenal Olivia Garden, the only exotic garden in Poland located in the heart of the business center, has been awarded the prestigious 2022 European Property Awards, in the “Landscape Architecture” category. The winners were: Malinowski Design Urban & Landscape, which he is the author of the project and Olivia Centre – the investor and operator of the garden.

 

The competition, which dates back to 1993, brings together the best projects from all over Europe. Every year, several thousand investors from all over the world submit their applications, and the winning projects are selected by a jury consisting of real estate market experts, architects, journalists and investment advisors. The projects compete in four categories: investment, architecture, interior design and the real estate market, where the achievements of industry leaders are awarded.

 

Olivia Garden is a carefully designed space with an area of nearly 800 m2, filled with thousands of tropical plants, representing over 150 different species of plants from such exotic countries as Indonesia, Australia, New Guinea, Madagascar, Malaysia, Borneo, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and the tropical forests of the Amazon. In addition to numerous plants reaching 2-3 meters in height, more than 30 large trees have been planted in the garden, the largest of which reach up to 11 meters above the ground.

 


Olivia Garden
 is the result of innovative thinking about the nature of the workplace, where the proximity of nature has a positive effect on well-being and work efficiency. The project was created in response to the needs of the residents of the business centre and for the residents of the Tri-City, for whom it is another attraction and a proposal to spend their free time.

 

Olivia Garden has been divided into 4 zones to offer space for various activities. In the shade of the Bucida Bucerasblack olive nestled in the vast mezzanine, there is a TiKi-style bar, serving fresh cocktails and light oriental cuisine. The garden is perfect as a space for social and business meetings, independent work and rest, as well as for lectures, workshops or concerts, as it has an amphitheatre, tables hidden among dense vegetation and comfortable relaxation areas.

 

“I am very pleased that the work we have done together is so highly appreciated, this time by the jury of the European Property Awards ,” says Dariusz Malinowski from Malinowski Design Urban & Landscape. – It also shows that such solutions are expected by users. Guests who have already visited our garden know that it is an extraordinary “jungle” in which a person feels full comfort and plants develop luxuriantly. It is a truly living organism in which we have provided the plants with ideal growing conditions. This is evidenced literally and figuratively by the fruits of our labor, as we more and more often harvest papaya, pomegranate or cocoa fruits growing on trees in the garden. And they are not at all there just for decoration, because once they are ripe, they end up in the kitchen or Tiki bar, where exotic cocktails are prepared to make them. I would like to thank everyone who took part in the project for their passion for work and determination.

 

The aim of Olivia Garden is to provide a new quality of spending time, work and relaxation in direct connection with nature, regardless of the season and weather conditions. The glazed body has a characteristically sloping roof, referring to the architecture of the top of the Olivia Star building, at the base of which it is located, and the historic body of the Olivia Hall, with which Olivia is adjacent. The Malinowski Design Urban & Landscape studio is responsible for the interior design design, and the Design Anatomy studio was responsible for the implementation. Work on the final concept lasted many months and involved not only architects and botanists, but also an interdisciplinary team of specialists, consulting solutions with the residents of Olivia Centre.

 

– After months of operation, Olivia Garden has already become a mature project, and the plants have already undergone full acclimatization, so they are growing lushly, creating a unique impression on all guests, who can try sweet and juicy papayas – says Bogusław Wieczorek, Olivia Centre’s representative. It is very important that this space is appreciated by our residents, who use it on a daily basis as a place offering respite, relaxation, but also a space that allows for concentration and stimulates creativity. It is an absolutely unique project, which is also appreciated by numerous Tri-City residents and tourists. This is particularly important to us, because we want everyone to feel at home in Olivia. That’s why we’ve been developing features that appeal to a wide audience for years and that attract guests all day, 7 days a week. Particularly popular is the observation deck, which is located on the 32p. Olivii Star, prestigious restaurants of 33p. or the conference and event center from the 34. Floors. It is worth recalling that these spaces have already been awarded in the European Property Awards competition in 2020, and previously won the award of the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship as the event of the year.

 

  • Residents of Olivia Centre, owners of the My Olivia application, use Olivia Garden and the Observation Deck free of charge.
  • Guests buy a ticket, which provides an extraordinary experience in Olivia Garden and allows them to visit the Observation Deck.

 

Run or march to help. We invite you together with the Santander Foundation!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

On September 24, the V Charity Run NORTHERN HELPS will take place. It’s a respite run and you can take part in it! On your own feet – running or walking – on a bike, rollerblades or scooter… Do it the way you want and help build the Respite Care Centre for family caregivers, which is being built in Gdańsk on the initiative of the Hospice Foundation.

 

We run, we walk, we ride together!

This is the fifth time that the Santander Foundation has organised a run for the Gdańsk Hospice Foundation. The four previous editions were attended by 4623 people. 227k was raised. £. This year, we invite you to participate in two formulas: stationary and virtual.

  • Stationary , i.e. you can run with the employees of both Foundations, covering a distance of 7.4 km, from Work Cafe Santander in Olivia Centre to Plac Zebrań Ludowych.
  • Virtually, which means you can run in any part of the world where you happen to be.

 

What is the purpose of the run? Lofty!

Support for the construction of the Respite Care Centre, which is being built in Gdańsk on the initiative of the Hospice Foundation. The Respite Care Center is a place that will provide care for sick children and adults, and give their families a moment of rest. People who take care of sick relatives at home tend to be tired, burnt out, and overloaded with responsibilities. Just like all of us, they need at least a short vacation, a moment of respite, during which they can rest, take care of their needs and simply recharge their batteries. The Respite Care Center wants to admit its first residents as early as 2023. Learn more.

 

Date, place, formula of the event

The 5th Charity Northern Run Helps will take place on September 24, 2022 (Saturday). Depending on the chosen formula, participants should complete the planned route in the following hours:

  • Stationary run in Gdansk at 11.00 – 13.00

START at 11.00 Work Cafe Santander Gdańsk, Olivia Centre, al. Grunwaldzka 472

GOAL at 13.00 People’s Assembly Square Gdansk, Oliwa Gate

  • Global Virtual Run in Hours 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Central European Time (CEST).

The participant starts anywhere in the world, between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. (CEST), in compliance with the applicable regulations (including the provisions of the Road Traffic Law, the Civil Code and the site regulations) and the necessary safety measures in force in the country in which he or she is currently staying during the race.

 

SIGN UP

 

Distance

The participant will cover a distance of 7.4 km by running or walking. It is permissible to cover the distance on rollerblades, bicycles, scooters and other forms of physical activity.

 

Entry fee

The entry fee for one Participant is the minimum 20 PLN. But it is possible to deposit more because the goal is worth it! Children and adolescents up to 18 years of age free of charge.

 

Donation

People who cannot take part in the Run but want to support the construction of the Respite Care Centre in Gdańsk
can make a payment to the Foundation’s account
. All donations made to the Santander Foundation between 1 and 30 September will be donated to the Hospice Foundation for the construction of the Respite Care Centre.

 

SIGN UP

Children’s Day in Oliwa with our Neighbour!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Together with Primary School No. 35 in Gdańsk Oliwa, we are pleased to invite all small and large Residents and Friends of the Olivia Centre to participate in the Oliwa Children’s Day!

 

When?
On Saturday, June 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Where?
On the playground of Primary School No. 35 (yes, they are our close neighbours), at ul. Wąsowicza 30 in Gdansk

 

For whom?
For all friends of Olivia Centre and Primary School No. 35

IN THE PROGRAM (among others)

  • Performances of rock bands, including: Tymon Tymański & Kosma
  • Performance of the Olivia Centre Choir
  • “Got Talent” Contest
  • Dance shows
  • Football match
  • Quizzes for the audience
  • Learning to skate

 

Stands & Workshops

  • Hockey
  • Figure skating
  • Handball
  • Bouncy castles
  • Artistic
  • Reading
  • Baby Zone
  • Fancy Faces
  • Small Builder

 

Family Competitions

  • Tug-of-war
  • Football matches
  • Orienteering
  • Acrobatic Track

 

There will also be a Food Truck zone, access to free water for all participants, a café and a lemonade stand.

 

Mark your calendars, bring your family and friends!

Let’s meet on June 4th!

 

Agenda of the event:

 

MAIN STAGE

11:00-11:10 Welcoming all

11:10-11:25 Choir of Residents and Friends of Olivia

11:25-11:30 I entrance of the Gdańsk Umbrella

11:30-11:35 Scottish dance show

11:35-12:00 Generational music – Tymon and Kosma Tymański

12:00-12:25 Got Talent – school edition

12:25-12:45 Quiz about the School, Olivia Centre and the district – (1 of 10)

12:45-12:50 ACK – dance show

12:50-13:10 Zumba

13:10-13:15 Second ascent of the Gdańsk Umbrella

13:15-13:25 Dance performances by students of Primary School 35

13:25-13:35 ACK – dance show

13:35-14:00 Concert Nawia (Ola?)

14:00-14:20 Selection of the nicest graduate

14:20-14:35 Skating pairs on stage

14:35-14:55 Final of the Gdańsk Umbrella lottery, Jerusalem dance

14:55-15:25 Concert Ilia

SCHOOL

Exhibition of the Provincial Photography Competition “Oliwa”

Reading Room – School Chronicles

“BALLOON”

11:00-11:30 Hobby Horse

11:30-12:00 Fun for children

12:00-12:30 Celtic dance workshop

12:30-13:00 Kin-Ball

13:00-13:30 75 Handball Goal Competition

13:00-13:30 Tug-of-war competition for alumni, parents, employees of Primary School 35, residents of OBC

13:30-14:00 Rope Game

14:00-14:30 Family fitness games m.in.: hula hoop circles, jumping in bags parent with child

 

GYM

11:00-14:00 Gymnastic path, trampolines

 

MULTI-PURPOSE SPORTS FIELD

1:00-12:00 Inline skating lessons

11:00-14:00 School Discipline Stations

 

SAND PITCH

13:00-14:00 Volleyball match

 

Square at ul. Wąsowicza

11:00-15:00 Orienteering

 

A square behind the pitch

11:00-15:00 Bouncy castles

 

WELCOME!

 

The “Buddy in O4” Project has been launched

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The O4 Coworking community in Olivia Centre has joined forces to help its Ukrainian neighbours settle down. Not only in the coworking space in Olivia, but also in the Tri-City. This is how the “Buddy in O4” project was created to support the Ukrainian community.

 

Why “Buddy”?

 

3.9 million people fleeing the war in Ukraine have already reached Polish.* Thus, for the first time in history, the population of Polish has exceeded 40 million. Almost 224,000 refugees from Ukraine have stayed in Gdansk alone.**

 

– O4 Coworking helps from the very beginning. When people from Ukraine started coming to us, we offered to help them use our workspace for free. In total, more than 30 of our Ukrainian neighbours have already taken advantage of this opportunity. Many people have already declared their continued cooperation and prolongation of their stay at O4 Coworking. However, we wondered if we could do something more for them – says Marta Moksa, Manager of O4 Coworking.

 

Out of the need for support, not only financially, but also in everyday life and functioning in the local community, the “Buddy in O4” project was born.

 

“On the one hand, we have noticed that people want to help not only financially. They can share something much more valuable – their free time and knowledge about the Tri-City. On the other hand, we have noticed the problems that people from Ukraine are facing. First of all, difficulties with adapting to a new environment, caused by the language barrier, unfamiliarity with local places, or the lack of a person with whom they could simply spend their free time – emphasizes Karolina Rymarczyk, project coordinator.

 

According to a survey conducted in the O4 community among Ukrainian refugees, the most common challenges are: learning Polish, lack of friends on site and the lack of opportunities to meet new people, limited opportunities to develop their passions, or lack of knowledge about places in the Tri-City that people from Ukraine would be happy to use.

 

– Behind the numbers are specific people with their own distinct stories and needs. One of the most common needs is to settle in a new city, a new workplace, a new housing estate. That’s why we at O4 asked ourselves: What can we do to make it easier for them to find their way in the new reality? That’s how Buddy was created,” adds Marta Moksa.

 

A project to support the Ukrainian community

 

This project aims to help people of Ukrainian descent who have recently joined the O4 community. It consists mainly in helping to find oneself in a new environment and in facilitating the organization of everyday life. In challenges such as: getting from Orunia to Gdynia, buying Internet access to a rented apartment from a local supplier, visiting a doctor or dentist, understanding the rules in force in offices – a “buddy” can help.

 

Buddy is a buddy – a guardian of a person from Ukraine. Its task is to support a specific person in what they currently need, depending on what they are struggling with. A friend is also a person with whom you can spend time socializing, go out for pizza, to the cinema, go for a walk, talk about various topics, and at the same time practice Polish and English. Kumpel is a guide that brings the Tri-City world closer. Life in Poland, with a “buddy” by your side, is simply going to become easier.

 

Engaged O4 Coworking community

 

The project was joined by 20 people from O4 Coworking, who expressed their readiness in their free time to accompany their neighbours from Ukraine in everyday matters.

 

At the beginning of June, the first introductory meeting was organized in the coworking space for people who applied for the project so that they could get to know each other better, exchange contacts and declare with whom they would like to undertake further cooperation.

 

– At the team-building meeting, we used the “speed dating” method, which works great for us in recruitment and conversations between students and potential employers. And so the 16 participants of the meeting had a chance to talk for 5 minutes with each person, and it lasted only 1 hour! After these conversations, everyone chose 3 potential people with whom they felt the most flow. At the end, of course, there was pizza. Our networking experience shows us that nothing brings people together like talking over a meal. Now all that’s left is to put them together in “buddy pairs. I believe that these new acquaintances can bring a lot of good for both parties. – comments Karolina Rymarczyk.

 

The project is very popular among the coworking community, and there is no shortage of people willing to help their Ukrainian neighbours. People who could not be present at the integration meeting declare their support in further activities. It is also planned to extend the project beyond coworking and invite people from the entire Olivia Centre community:

 

– The current project is dedicated to O4ians from Ukraine and the O4 community working in our coworking space. However, we are also thinking about telling other companies in Olivia Centre about it. Probably many people from Ukraine employed here would be happy to use the help of a “buddy”. Who knows, maybe soon the name “Buddy in O4” will have to be changed to “Buddy in Olivia” or “Buddy in the Tri-City”? – adds Karolina Rymarczyk.

 

 

 

*data as of 08.06.2022, source: Twitter @Straz_Graniczna

**data as of 01.04.2022, https://metropolie.pl/fileadmin/user_upload/UMP_raport_Ukraina_20220429_final.pdf

Leaders from Olivia Centre and O4 Coworking inspire students from Fregata

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Olivia Centre and O4 Coworking, with the first coworking space for women in Poland – O4 Flow, start cooperation with the Fregata Primary School for Girls from Gdańsk Oliwa. The aim is to inspire young women who are just making their first important educational decisions – e.g. about major classes in secondary schools. Thanks to meetings with leaders from large, international corporations and from the world of ICT, students will have a chance to believe that the world of new technologies, engineering and programming is waiting for them and needs them very much.

 

The first meetings with Beata Stramska from FinestMedia and NordHR and Anetta Lasota from thyssenkrupp aroused enthusiasm from both sides! With great conviction and heart, Beata and Aneta showed how much good awaits women who dare to enter the world of new technologies. And the great attentiveness, class and interest of the girls encouraged the speakers to declare their willingness to continue their support!

 

– Polish girls still lack real “heroines”. There are not enough female engineers, programmers and bosses in the public space. A live meeting of women who are coping in this world, know it and see how much more women are needed in it, is our work at the grassroots level. There are still many ideas for cooperation ahead of us – we will be able to announce something more soon. It’s great that Fregata cares about promoting the idea among female students that they can become anything they want: a lawyer, a full-time mom, or an IT specialist. The most important thing is that they choose consciously. O4 Flow and Olivia will be very happy to help them by showing them various interesting stories of women from our community – says Marta Moksa, O4 Coworking.

– A few conversations with young people are enough to discover that the concept of authority has become very distant for them. In a world focused on highlighting flaws, they must learn to relearn how to separate what is valuable from what is ideal. To discover that successful people, just like them, face difficulties, moments of doubt, or drops in form. Get to know fascinating biographies and mentors whose experiences they can draw on to build their identity, which doesn’t necessarily mean following the same path. That is why I cared so much about the “Successful Woman” project for students in grades 7-8. These young women are on the threshold of their maturity and the first important choices about their future life path. I am very happy that thanks to the cooperation with Olivia Centre and O4 Flow they can meet so many amazing women, full of passion and having different criteria of success, and yet happy and fulfilled in what they do. Years of support from teachers are not the same as seeing with their own eyes that the world really is their oyster and it is up to them to decide who they will be. And we’ll be looking back on it with pride, and we’re very grateful for this cooperation. – says Monika Wierzbicka, director of Fregata.

 

We will keep you informed about the next stages of the project.

The third edition of the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget has been launched

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget is a programme supporting social initiatives of the inhabitants of Oliwa. The aim of the project is to develop the potential of the district, modernize the common space and support activities integrating the Oliwa community. On 11 June, the call for proposals for the third edition of the budget began.

 

As in the first and second editions, also this year the pool of funds allocated for co-financed projects will amount to PLN 18 thousand. 12,000 zlotys were donated by Olivia Business Centre, and 6,000 by Andrzej Stelmasiewicz, a councillor of the City of Gdańsk from the area of Oliwa. Both soft projects (organization of meetings, courses or workshops) as well as infrastructure projects that will permanently fit into the character of the Oliwa space can apply for funding. The call for applications in this year’s edition started on 11 June, and you can submit them until the end of the summer holidays. The announcement of the results is scheduled for the first half of September 2022.

 

In last year’s edition, three projects were co-financed:

  • Christmas Festival at the Market Square in Oliwa, submitted by the City Initiative Association. It is a social and cultural event, which included decorative workshops for children and adults, joint arrangement of space, a Christmas fair and music.
  • Sports and educational path at Primary School No. 35 with Sports Departments Jan Parandowski in Gdansk. The installation enables outdoor fun and learning for all the little inhabitants of the district.
  • Tai Chi in Oliwa, submitted by the Park On Association. The project included 38 hours of Tai Chi classes for people with Parkinson’s disease, caregivers and people willing to conduct this form of activity.

 

– Funding under the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget is granted to projects implemented in Oliwa, most often by the residents themselves and local institutions, and their selection is made by local social activists, city and district councillors who know the needs of our local community very well, so we are convinced that this initiative hits the mark and contributes to the development of Oliwa. – says Bogusław Wieczorek, representative of Olivia Centre. “In the previous edition, we managed to co-finance a wide variety of areas of local activity and we hope that this year will be similar. Together with the residents, we have managed to create a sustainable program for the development of the place where we all live and work. Adds.

 

YOU CAN SUBMIT YOUR PROJECT HERE