The truth on the Internet defends itself. Interview with Anna Maria Wiśniewska

Business and the relationships it needs are now happening on the internet. Anna-Maria Wiśniewska, a speaker at the second edition of the LinkedIn Local meeting at Olivia Business Centre, talks about the laws that govern popular social media, basic mistakes in the presented content, as well as about the power and synergy of LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Olivia Business Centre: How does LinkedIn Local help and how does it translate into business reality?

Anna Maria Wiśniewska: This is a fantastic initiative to tame a website that is still little known and mysterious in Poland. It seems complicated, but luckily it’s just appearances. It seems that it takes many hours spent learning this service to take full advantage of its features, but it turns out that my clients are ready to act very quickly, usually after one hour of training. Regular use of LinkedIn helps you learn its nuances in order to use the site to the maximum, building much-needed contacts and relationships, which in turn we use in business. It’s worth noting how important the role of LinkedIn is – it connects people, acting a bit like inception (laughs). Such a virtual in real life.

What was your role during LinkedIn Local at Olivia Business Centre?

I had the pleasure of being a speaker during the second edition of the event. I am very happy to have the opportunity to contribute to an initiative that is growing more and more.

What did you talk about?

I’ve been comparing LinkedIn and Facebook because I’ve noticed that there are a lot of people who favor one medium over the other, sometimes unnecessarily. I consider them to be complementary services, thanks to which we build an important image in social media, create a community around us, gain and maintain contacts.

How important is image?

Unbelievably, because it depends on how others perceive us, how much they trust us. Social media is often the “first point of contact” between the customer and information about us. The trend has changed – today we are much more willing to look for knowledge in the first place on Facebook, leaving the benefits of Google in reserve. Taking care of how we present ourselves in social media is important, because based on what we reveal, others form opinions about us. It’s up to us what our followers see – and that’s good news, because we can plan everything carefully. The content should clearly indicate what we do, what our values are, what we can help others with – so that the potential customer knows what they can get from us. Conscious building of the image on the Internet should be close to reality, without stretching and unnecessarily inflating the “balloon”, so that no one gets the impression that we are creating ourselves as someone we are not, which – as a consequence – always ends unfavorably.

Which social media should we take care of the most?

Depending on your business. Usually, my advice is to evenly distribute the focus across three services: Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, which is still underused for business purposes, which can be a secret weapon. However, nothing forced. At the beginning, let’s start with one service – I usually suggest Facebook or LinkedIn – to be able to draw conclusions about our enthusiasm, time resources, financial resources, creativity and, above all, results.

Instagram doesn’t convince you though?

It is difficult to understand this reluctance. It seems to me that this medium is sometimes associated with stylized photos in which there is little truth. With no selection of followed accounts, we can feel flooded with perfect bodies, beautiful faces, and a sense of not fitting in with this world. The truth is that we have full control over what we see – just like on Facebook. After all, substantive content also does a great job, you just need to have an idea for it. The so-called InstaStory, which enables a closer, more intimate relationship with viewers (which translates into trust and then sales) and allows you to reach a much wider audience than just your followers. It’s worth a try.

What can you expect when you start working on building your social media image?

If we approach it methodically, with the right plan and the knowledge of what to pay attention to at the beginning, then with a good start we can count on a flood of reactions from our followers. The most common reactions, apart from likes and hearts, numbering in the hundreds, are comments with congratulations, words of support and admiration, as well as private messages and phone calls. Not only on the day we planned to show the world all the work, but also long after it, when the client accidentally meets a friend somewhere in the city. Unfortunately, after such a boom, the reaction curve drops, but this is what image building is all about, so that we can increase interest in ourselves and what we do with the regularity of publications and their value.

How to estimate the effectiveness of actions?

Always after the results. Likes and comments should translate into sales of services. If we have a lot of reactions – that is, our content touches people, but we don’t sell – then something is wrong. Unless our goal is not to sell, but that’s a completely different issue. Let’s remember that you can’t pay for anything with likes. They are only a means to an end. The content may well arouse few reactions, and we still acquire customers from social media. Therefore, fact-based analysis is paramount.

When should a professional step in?

There is no one perfect moment. For some, this is the moment when social media activities start to overwhelm us. For others, the best solution will be to use the knowledge of experienced people from the very beginning – to have a planned course of action right away and not to get lost. As long as we have the means and assume the willingness to intensify our activities and earn money – there is nothing to wait for.

What are the most common problems that customers come up with?

It all depends on the customer. Most often, they ask what actions they should take at the very beginning. The spectrum of possibilities on social media is large, so they start to have a sense of chaos. Then you need an honest conversation, getting to know the client’s values and motivation in order to be able to make a personalized strategy for them. For businesses, we tend to focus on building communities and creating content that aims to entertain and sell. Corporate clients, on the other hand, want to take care of the company’s image through employees, being sure that this is the key to gaining the trust of customers. In addition, they know that such image-building workshops are an attractive break from the routine at work.

Who can afford to neglect space on the internet?

No one – if they want to stay on the wave, move with the times and enjoy the benefits of technology. Of course, let’s not demonize that if we are not on the Internet, we cease to exist. Especially if the sales channels are not based on social media. Nevertheless, I emphasize that they should be taken care of. No one wants to be seen as someone who doesn’t care about their own backyard. How could we then take care of the customer properly? I believe that the image is an element that completes the whole picture, as long as we do not lose our common sense trying to build the impression of a person much more professional than we really are. Honesty and transparency are the best idea for a good relationship with customers. You have to be patient and disciplined, and the results will really surprise you.

 

Fig. https://www.facebook.com/amwisniewska

 

SEE THE PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE EVENT

 

Star Challenge Bank Smashed! 10,000 floors of Help Measured by Floors contributes to the scholarship coffers!

The Star Challenge Bank has been smashed! 10,000 floors of Help Measured by Floors contributes to the scholarship coffers:)

PLN 10,524 will help you make your sports dreams come true! This was the amount of money that the participants of the first edition of the Star Challenge flight ran upstairs.

On the 1st of December, Olivia Business Centre turned into the most unusual running town. The numerous competitors were not discouraged even by the sub-zero temperature. Over 200 participants had one goal – to run to help children from orphanages under the aegis of the Gdańsk Foundation for Social Innovation.

I’ve been competing in running events for years, but the moment when you get a medal on top of your own mountain while running the red carpet is amazing. The panorama from the 34th floor of Olivia Star is breathtaking. You feel like the sky is the limitsums up the participant of the Ultra formula.

The competitors raced in three stages of the race. A sprint starting from level zero with the finish line at the top, Ultra, where they had to cover the entire route three times, and industrial OCR Games verifying the speed and fitness of the participants.

Be faster than yesterday and measure with us the help of floors turned out to be an idea that I hope will become a permanent fixture in the calendar of running events in the country. My dream is that the date and place will become a symbol of pre-Christmas help dedicated to talented children who have not been spared by fate. Such an unimaginable feeling of joy and pride accompanied me as I climbed the floors explains Dagmara Rybicka from Olivia Business Centre.

Everyone was waiting for their finish! In the largest and most colorful group of winners, the charges of the Children’s Home, the management of the Foundation, the Sea Hawks American football team and the Vice – Polish Drift Champion Blanka Turska ran in succession.

A great challenge and even more joy at the finish line. Fridays nailed with the kids at the top of the Olivia Star will certainly never forget – adds Turska.

In the team competition for the Residents’ Cup , the Nordea team turned out to be unbeatable. Congratulations and passers-by received the trophy from Stefan Grabski and Piotr Suchenia, the first Pole to win the most extreme marathon in the world, the North Pole Marathon at the Pole.

According to the Aid Measured by Floors , each storey was rewarded. Over 10,000 floors conquered It will allow to fund sports scholarships for children. Looking at the individual results, it is certain that there are great talents among the young participants from the Children’s Home. We will find out which sports disciplines they will choose at the beginning of 2019.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US!

Photo gallery from the event

 

Let’s share the goodness! Christmas Fundraisers in Olivia.

On 6-14 December at the reception desks of Olivia Business Centre you will find 5 colourful gift baskets:) Let’s share the goodness! We try to help various Gdańsk associations and foundations. In each building, we collect gifts for other people in need. A description of needs and dreams (both big and small) can be found next to each basket. Of course, we also present them below.

If we can help, let’s help! Because together we can do much more! In addition, research confirms that when we help, our sense of happiness increases and we become healthier!

We can take a small step, donate something small, and at the same time make someone’s dream come true:) We proposed five local organizations. Let’s become Santa Claus:)

LET’S SHARE THE GOODNESS!:)

OLIVIA STAR

In Olivia Star you will find a gift basket for The House of Im. J.Korczak. There are currently 45 children aged 0d 0 to 12 years old in the Home. These are sick and disabled children for whom therapy and rehabilitation are very important.

  • They need stationery (e.g. pad, paints, glue, crayons), educational toys, toy batteries, diapers, diapers, baby lotions, baby shampoos, bubble baths, strollers, baby carriers.

OLIVIA FOUR

At Olivia Four, we will help the Promyk Shelter for Homeless Animals.

  • Dogs and cats need high-quality food – with a high meat content, such as Purina, Royal Canin. The shelter also needs blankets, towels, pillowcases, beds, toys and leashes. Let’s remember, winter is coming…

OLIVIA TOWER

This is where you can support your charges Hospice House Ks. Dutkiewicza in Gdansk. One of the main tasks of a hospice is palliative care. According to the World Health Organization, this is the name given to active, comprehensive and comprehensive care for patients suffering from incurable, progressive diseases at the end of life, which surrounds both them and their families like a cloak ( Greek palium – mantle). It includes combating unmanageable pain and other somatic symptoms, as well as alleviating mental, spiritual, and social suffering.

  • You will need things such as: large t-shirts (for men and women), cotton bedding (for washing at high temperatures), cosmetics and care products (natural, adapted for people after chemotherapy), board games, playing cards, crossword puzzles, sweets, infrared thermometers, blood pressure monitors for the arm with cuff, DVDs and a small TV in good condition.

OLIVIA SIX

At the Olivia SIX reception, you can become Santa Claus for Seniors from the Municipal Family Assistance Center in Gdańsk.

  • We invite you to bring small items such as coffee, tea, sweets, canned food, gloves, scarves, hats, tights, socks, slippers, sweaters, shampoos, soaps, shaving creams, laundry detergents, moisturizers, hair sprays, shoe polish, playing cards and crossword puzzles.

OLIVIA GATE A

In Olivia GATE A, leave a Card for a Senior from an Angel! We cooperate with the WIIR Foundation. Fear, loneliness and uncertainty are emotions that accompany the elderly on a daily basis. Members of the WIIR Foundation and volunteers decided to initiate a campaign of writing cards to elderly, lonely people.

  • Christmas cards can be made using any technique. You can also purchase them. Heartfelt wishes will be an amazing surprise and bring a lot of joy. Please put each one in an envelope with the signature “Christmas Card for Seniors from an Angel”

Take part in the GUP competition for the “Foreigner-Friendly Employer”.

The Gdańsk Labour Office announces a competition for the “Foreigner-Friendly Employer”.

The influx of immigrants poses new challenges for employers and forces them to adapt their working conditions to the needs of a multicultural workforce.

In order to promote positive attitudes and good practices among Gdańsk employers, the Gdańsk Labour Office announces a competition for a “foreigner-friendly employer”.

The main objective of the competition is to support the processes of integration of immigrants within the local community by implementing procedures in Pomeranian companies to support adaptation to living and working conditions in Gdańsk and Pomerania.

The organizer of the competition for the Foreigner-Friendly Employer is the Gdańsk Labour Office. Detailed information about the competition can be found on the www.gup.gdansk.pl and in the Competition Regulations. Employers’ applications are accepted electronically. For more information, please call /58/ 732-52-30 or emailus atonkurs@gup.gdansk.pl

APPLICATION FORUM

A Drop of Energy on November 28th! Welcome!

The Kropelka Energii Foundation and Olivia Business Centre once again invite all those working in Olivia, their relatives, friends, acquaintances 🙂 and the residents of the Tri-City to take part in the blood donation campaign, which will take place on On November 28, 2018, Olivia’s C parking lot. In one place and at one time, they will be available to donors blood buses of the Regional Centre for Blood Donation and Haemotherapy.

Donor registration will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Would you like to know more? Please contact the Organizers: Tomek Rubanowicz (tel. 785 873 326) and Piotr Krysiński (tel. 601 529 929).

People who live outside the Tri-City or will be on holiday at that time can donate blood at the nearest blood points throughout the country (the list of addresses is available here: http://www.nck.gov.pl/sluzba-krwi/rckik/).

Detailed information on what conditions must be met to become a blood donor can be obtained in the “For Donors” tab on the website: http://www.krew.gda.pl/ or consult a doctor directly in the ambulance:)

People who plan to donate blood must remember to:

  • be healthy, i.e. you cannot have symptoms m.in. colds (e.g. runny nose, cough, cold sores);
  • did not take medications such as: aspirin, paracetamol, anti-allergic;
  • do not donate blood on an empty stomach, that is, it is necessary to eat a light meal and drink a large coffee, tea;
  • be well-rested and well-rested;
  • two hours before donating blood, do not smoke cigarettes;
  • do not drink alcohol, including on the day before donating blood;
  • Be sure to bring your ID card or driver’s license.

Bonuses

For donors who donated blood on that day in an ambulance or at a blood donation station in the Tri-City and report their donation to the Organizers in the tent next to the blood buses, the Organizers provide:

  • voucher for free coffee or tea at Starbucks
  • voucher for a meal at Lobster Restaurant or for lovers of Japanese cuisine KOKU Sushi
  • and other extras that they will tell you about during the action:)

IT’S WORTH HELPING! WE ARE WAITING IN PARKING LOT C, YOU WILL SEE A BEAUTIFUL RED BUS THERE:)

The Great “Painting with Looney” in Olivia Prime

The great “Painting with Looney” in Olivia Prime is another project carried out by Olivia in connection with the hundredth anniversary of Poland regaining its independence. During the art workshops, we hosted young people from the Tri-City, for whom art is an ideal way to express emotions and the most effective method of showing what the world looks like through their eyes.

Importantly, drawing can also help you make your dreams come true. We would like the finale of “Painting with Looney” to be a charity auction. The works of the young artists will be auctioned off, and the funds raised in this way will fund artistic scholarships. We are convinced that the time spent together creatively will result in unique relationships and unforgettable fun.

Looney – Marek Rybowski, an artist from Tricity, brings more colour and joy to Gdańsk with his murals. You can also admire his talent in Olivia Prime!

Thank you to everyone who helped prepare this event!

We would like to express our special thanks to Mr. Grzegorz Konieczny and his co-workers from LUGARES for their huge hearts.

We invite you to watch the coverage of the event:

 

We invite you to see the photo gallery:

Cinema on Jupiter invites you to the film “The Pilgrim”

We invite you to the screening of the film “The Pilgrim” and a meeting with Marek Kamiński

“The Pilgrim” is an extraordinary film story about the road, about people and about Europe.

Marek Kamiński, a polar explorer and traveller, sets off on the Camino de Santiago. He makes a pilgrimage along the Way of St. James from Kaliningrad, formerly Königsberg, to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and more precisely from the tomb of Immanuel Kant – the symbolic Pole of Reason, to the tomb of St. Jacob – the Pole of Faith. The Way of St. James is a 4000 km journey through 6 countries, which is 120 days of travel and meetings with inspiring people. During this exhausting march into himself, the great traveler begins to doubt the wisdom of his venture.

From the review by Piotr Drzewiecki (caminodelavida.pl)

“In the film, I see Marek Kamiński again, in whom I would like to believe and who is attractive. This is a plus of the film made by Jan Czarlewski. Kamiński does not discover America, the name of feelings, states, desires, emotions accompanying each pilgrim. This simplicity is the greatest asset of “The Pilgrim”. Finally, there is no poor and indigestible version of Paulo Coelho for me.

Walking through Europe, Marek has a chance to talk to people who come out to him. Especially in Poland, where in some places whole villages line up to greet him. There are people who wander with him and talk about different topics. Often irrational: will concrete set on Mars? One of the funniest moments was the question of a journalist from Szczecin: “where are you going?”. I don’t think there was a single person in the audience of the European Solidarity Centre who didn’t burst out laughing.

Sometimes you can hear the director’s questions in the background: “how do you feel?”

and usually the answer: “I’m just going”.

The film perfectly captures what happens to a person on the road. After a few hundred kilometers, you no longer feel physical pain because EVERYTHING hurts. The hardest part is getting up and sleeping. But worse than physical ailments are the mental ones. “What are you thinking? – asks the director. About nothing. If you don’t think about anything, you travel into yourself.” – Marek answers. I wrote this sentence from the movie in my notebook in bold. I like it.”

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE TICKET RIGHT AWAY:)

 

 

We wish the Olivians a Merry Christmas!

It’s already festive under the common roof of Olivia Business Centre. The magic of Christmas has drawn us in for good! Enchanted by the atmosphere, in the glow of the Christmas tree and to the sound of carols, we wish each other Christmas. It’s traditional, it’s sublime, and it’s also a little funny. As it is during the holidays… It is straight from the heart, with a lot of ideas intertwined with the most beautiful inspirations, thanks to which no one will be able to forget this year’s Christmas! Such a power of wishes has the power of destruction only in the Olivia Business Centre family. See for yourself! There will be a lot to reminisce.

What do the Olivians wish for the Olivians…

Wishes for Nordea from Staples

And from Ranstad to Omida:

From Olivia Business Centre for Olivian:

Idea and implementation: Highstory Studio

From Nordea to Airhelp:

From Nationale Nederlanden for Business Link:

From Hays to ARP:

From Business Link for Randstad:

And now from ARP for Hays:)

Rushing wishes from Airhelp for Staples:

Wishes from Omida for Nationale Nederlanden:

And I still rush wishes from O4 coworking for all of us:)

It’s been a good year for Olivia

The end of January is the best time for summaries. A new look at the challenges and distance to what has passed allow us to coolly assess what has been happening for twelve months. What was 2018 like at Olivia Business Centre?

Dynamic, creative and full of positive wind, which talents have taken into their sails, turning their ideas into spectacular projects. There is something in it – the successive years of Olivia Business Centre show that the growing town is a Pomeranian forge of talents. These twelve months have proven that we have done a lot together with the resident companies. There was a lot going on, and the kaleidoscope of events helped everyone find something for themselves. It seems that we have discovered the key – it is a passion that brings joy, makes us smile and makes us want to do even more at Olivia Business Centre.

The most important thing is that we managed to make a big dream come true. Olivia has become a town where life flows at a steady pace. The days passed, interspersed with various events, which inspired and drew you in completely regardless of age.

About people and for people

How the four seasons have passed is best illustrated by the popular
Olivia Camerata
. Concert meetings with chamber music took us into the world of sounds, hosted by outstanding figures of the music and artistic scene not only in the Tri-City.

It only took a step to turn from the art stage into the centre of sports competition. Popular sports leagues (including Olivia YachtClub) in Olivia guaranteed maximum endorphins and competition, which we could take care of among our friends from the company. Futsal in a strong performance, sailing under the watchful eye of master coaches, as well as a chance for development thanks to the cooperation of OBC with the team academic sport perfectly matched the taste and, most importantly, the expectations.

However, Olivia does not live only with art and sport. During the summer, we had fun during the Summer on the Patio, having the opportunity to blend in with the cultures, thanks to imaginative play with the flavors of the world. There is no better opportunity to make new friends and exchange experiences! Olivia Business Centre is created by people, and innovation lies in the power of mutual relations.

How to foster them, what to change and how to make the work environment employee-friendly was debated during industry meetings by the participants of the HR Club. The initiative of Małgorzata Gwozdz, HR Director of Olivia Business Centre, has largely changed the perspective of looking at human resources. Expert meetings have led to a completely different approach to the labour market and the number one employee.

100 Years of Independence

2018 was a special year. It abounded in analyses and a return to the past along the trail of history. Very important for generations of Poles who stood shoulder to shoulder with pride in front of the white and red flag while celebrating
the hundredth anniversary of Regaining Independence
. Knowing what roots and tradition are, we decided to show Young Free Poles what patriotism means. The guest at the Unusual History Lesson was heavyweight boxer Izu Ugonoh. The boxer, born in Poland, charmed the students of Gdańsk schools by telling them what the anthem, the eagle on his chest and his family meant to him. The power of national symbols was demonstrated by the inhabitants of the Tri-City by observing the unique illumination, which proudly flagged majestically on the façade of one of the most prestigious buildings in Pomerania – Olivia Star. The celebration of the hundredth anniversary ended with a colourful parade in the centre of Gdańsk, during which we involved its participants in helping children whose parents died in the line of duty. The Marciński croissant took on a new dimension, and the amount collected in the cans allowed the orphaned children to smile.

Independence symbolizes unlimited possibilities, which is why its childlike face carries the conviction that standing on the threshold of adulthood we have equal opportunities. On Friday afternoon, the guests of Olivia Business Centre were a large group of children and young people from the Gdańsk Social Innovation Foundation. Together with the well-known street art artist Looney, the children from the Children’s Homes painted their vision of Independence. They commemorated the history of the country on a monstrous mural and individual works, which will be put up for a charity auction, and the collected funds will fund scholarships for artistically talented youth.

Let’s reach for the stars together

In December, we managed to surprise the runners. The most unusual
Star Challenge
race, i.e. aid measured by floors, at the start of which stood almost three hundred participants, contributed to the Foundation’s scholarship coffers by thousands more for each floor. On the start list of the run, there were names of the children from the Children’s Home. Supported by American football players, Sea Hawks Gdynia finished on the 34th floor of Olivia Star with a time that aroused appreciation among experienced athletes. Many of them had tears in their eyes as they applauded the young runners receiving their medals on the red carpet for the winners. The disadvantaged children have good role models – they were accompanied by educators who had nothing to do with sport for years through 34 demanding floors. This attitude has added a whole new dimension to the race!

December is always a special time. The magic of the Christmas atmosphere is at work, and the anticipation of Christmas has turned Olivia Business Centre
into the land of Elves and Santa Claus
for one day. There was no end in sight to the Christmas adventures, and the delighted little ones took part in workshops, which are usually a great secret of elves.

To the sounds of Christmas carols and the smell of the Christmas tree, the Charity Christmas Fair began in Olivia Star, the aim of which was to support non-governmental organizations. The handicrafts prepared at the Christmas stands were full of strength, humility, and a well-done lesson of tolerance and understanding. That’s probably why we managed to break the record in making dumplings together!

The 365 days spent together showed the great value of cooperation. In our town, Olivia Business Centre, friendships were formed, new opportunities were created, groundbreaking projects were created, and most importantly, they gave each and every one of us the feeling that together we can do the most.

 

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We want beautiful cities!

Who wants visually friendly cities, how to control the chaos and whether the landscape act will actually become a remedy for poles covered with advertisements, unaesthetic billboards and skyscrapers with large-format advertisements – explains Monika Domańska from the Traffic Design Association, a participant of the debate “We want beautiful cities, or urban design in practice”, which took place in Olivia Business Centre. The meeting was organized by the Jagiellonian Club in Gdańsk.

Dagmara Rybicka: Isn’t the Tri-City aesthetically pleasing?

Monika Domańska: That’s a difficult question. Each agglomeration has its own individual character, while the aesthetics associated with the advertising industry applies to virtually the entire Polish. In the context of the landscape resolution, I have the impression that we are better off than other cities, which are still not in a hurry to adopt this document.

Shouldn’t we complain?

I don’t travel much in Poland, if so, it’s mainly between Warsaw and the Tri-City, so I don’t have a clear view of what’s going on in the country. Based on the opinions presented, I believe that there are many cities with aesthetics worse than the Tri-City.

Is there an alternative to large-format advertising?

Large-format advertising is usually a big cost for brands. It seems to me that these funds can be used in a more socially responsible way.

How?

By doing things that serve directly the residents, where branding is still present but less intrusive. It doesn’t matter if they are permanent or temporary installations in the form of benches, furniture and any kind of art. It’s important for brands to give something back to people in this space, not just solicit attention in a flashy way. In my opinion, ambient marketing is an excellent alternative.

What made you decide to change the Tri-City?

London inspirations (laughs). Living in the Shoreditch district, I had the opportunity to observe its transformation, the way in which space affects the vitality of the street. I’ve found that places are becoming popular because of the art. After returning from the master’s degree, together with Jacek, who already had experience in such projects, we set up the first version of Traffic Design in railway areas – stations and bridgeheads.

How did the idea catch on?

It seems to me that time is on our side. With some achievements under your belt, it is much easier to convince people of the purposefulness of such proposals. We have specific projects behind us, so we are not perceived as a group of haunted people. We present examples of signboards and it turns out that they can be implemented much easier than it seems. Brands around the world see the potential in cooperation with art and design, and this shows that the direction we have chosen is the right one. This is confirmed by social research conducted in Gdynia.

Were the conclusions surprising?

They confirmed the rightness of the actions. Society pays attention to the appearance of buildings. He looks at the exterior facades and shops covered with foil. He can give an example of what he doesn’t like. From the perspective of the street user, we get the most information about what needs to be changed.

Is your participation in the debate the voice of the Tri-City society?

I’m a sociologist by education and I want to be as close as possible to what a person who is not an architect or designer thinks about the city. That is why I am all the more eager to carry out projects within the Association. A big part of our activities is education, listening to expectations and creating projects tailored to the needs.

Can a city be nice after all?

I would like the debate to have firepower. However, I am aware that there are people in the process who are well-established. That is why I strongly focus on education and the media, thanks to which messages go beyond the closed environment. The power is when the owner of a smaller business, seeing such projects, decides to change the signboard, or when thinking about opening a store, asks a professional graphic designer for visual identification. This translates into many people and thanks to them we are approached by large agencies with a request to prepare a campaign, which includes, for example, signboards. Then the project goes to another level, the machine starts spinning.

A flagship example of change already exists in the Tri-City?

In Gdansk, it is certainly Stągiewna Street. Not in terms of aesthetics alone, but in terms of changing the development. The street has become a pedestrian zone and now looks completely different. Let’s remember that one thing is changes related to aesthetics, and the other is what we like to mention, which is a very friendly city. Stągiewna has been transformed for the benefit of residents and tourists. It was given to the people, and that’s what it’s all about.

Interviewed by: Dagmara Rybicka, Olivia Business Centre

You can see the full photo report here.