URBAN DESIGN International

https://doi.org/10.1057/s41289-024-00246-3

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space:

the case of Kartuzy
Justyna Martyniuk‑Pęczek1 · Grzegorz Pęczek2

Accepted: 15 April 2024

© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited 2024

Abstract
Recent decades have been characterized by dynamic changes in the urban design process in post-transition countries such as
Poland. Numerous activities have focused on upgrading the urban environment. The transformation that drives change also
requires some new skills, which are described in the theory of reflective practice: observation, experience, and reflection. The
goal of this paper is to build a descriptive scheme of the urban design process based on the reflective practice approach. The
case of Kartuzy was chosen as the authors of this paper actively participated in this town’s 10-year redevelopment process,
which can be seen as an experimental approach. The experience gathered allowed them to generate results on the issue of
reflective practice, both in the sphere of practical skills and the theoretical results of research. One of the main conclusions
is that knowledge exchange, observing the influence of actions of participants, and experiencing various types of interactions
in the process of spatial development all drive reflection, which is a crucial element for taking another step in improving the
quality of the urban design process. This paper contributes to a discussion on using reflective practice in the context of the
development of public spaces towards making them more sustainable.

Keywords Reflective practice · Public space · Main square redevelopment · ·Urban development · Country in transition ·
Urban renewal process

Introduction and compact cities incorporating participatory processes

(Carmona et al. 2012; Madanipour 2015).
Narratives of public space were driven by the recognition In the recent decade, research centered on ‘public space
of the need and possibility of radical change towards more design’ has focused mainly on topics related to assessment
liveable spaces. Public spaces are the backbone of cities, and methods (e.g., Ewing et al. 2013; Mehta 2014; Carmona
their role in urban regeneration and sustainable development 2019), green spaces (e.g., Madureira and Andresen 2014;
is significant (Madanipour 2015). The creation of public Selmi et al. 2016; Wood et al. 2017) and health issues (e.g.,
space is one of the most important design elements on Koohsari et al. 2015; Mueller et al. 2020; Mironowicz et al.
which the transformation of a city and citizenship is based 2021). Such a research direction is an obvious consequence
(Collins and Stadler 2020). These heterogeneous, complex of urban transformation (Hölscher and Frantzeskaki 2021)
concrete spaces present interesting challenges to study in and the implementation of the Sustainable Development
many scientific disciplines. Recently, research on public Goals, as defined by the United Nations. At the same time,
spaces has shifted towards applying theories from different there is a debate taking place among theorists concerning
disciplines to show their importance in building competitive the design process (e.g.,Ewing et al. 2013; Mehta 2014;
Carmona 2019) and the role of public participation (e.g.,
Worthington et al. 2013). Carmona noted that the design and
* Justyna Martyniuk‑Pęczek
[email protected] implementation process is changing, describing ‘the urban
design process as a place-shaping continuum’ (Carmona
1
Faculty of Architecture, Gdańsk University of Technology, 2014).
ul. Narutowicza 11/12, 80‑233 Gdańsk, Poland Thus, literature studies at present are usually based on a
2
Faculty of Architecture, Engineering and Art, Sopot broader global scope. The number of research and projects
University of Applied Sciences, ul. Rzemieślnicza 5, on public space have increased exponentially in the last
81‑855 Sopot, Poland

Vol.:(0123456789)
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

decade (Felix de Souza 2022) but research from the USA opportunities, and constraints they faced. Indeed, one
and Western Europe predominates (Carmona 2019). This of the most significant changes was the reintroduction
research offers opportunities to make contributions to the of local government. It gave a voice to local actors and
existing theories building on the case study of the small town decision-makers.
in Poland. It should be noted that for decades until 1989, Poland
We believe that the experience of design, and in experienced various critical changes, from being colonized
particular the design of public spaces, in cities and towns in the nineteenth century (the country was partitioned by
from a country undergoing profound transformation can Prussia, Austro-Hungary, and Russia), through trying to
add a useful perspective to the body of knowledge about build a democracy in a period of just 21 years between
the process of creating spaces that respond to human needs 1918 and 1939, followed by WWII, which was a complete
(Bierwiaczonek et al. 2017). Due to its specific historical upheaval and destroyed all prior effort, to becoming a
development, Poland offers a unique perspective on the communist regime from 1945 to 1989.
design of public spaces. On the one hand, this process After 1989, local self-government was restored and
has been facilitated by the opening up to the experience governments sought to build cooperation and strong ties,
and knowledge that became available after the fall of the especially with European and North American countries. In
communist system, and on the other hand, it has contributed 2004, Poland and a few other CEE countries joined the EU.
to the capacity building of local authorities and other local That in turn led to a significant change in the institutional
actors. The existing literature offers either reflection on environment. New standards and rules were set according to
the design (Rembeza 2020) or on the process, including EU requirements. The increased political stability in Poland
participatory tools such as joint workshops of decision after its accession to the EU also resulted in an influx of
makers and designers (Lorens 2019). Our paper attempts to foreign investors with their models of cultural norms and
combine the two through the lenses of reflective practice. behaviors.
In doing so, we seek to consider the transformation of Cultural norms and the institutional environment are
public space from both theoretical and practical perspectives, important determinants that influence every aspect of our
taking into account the institutional environment and cultural lives, behaviors, and decisions. They have a key influence
norms as key to the design and implementation process. The on the formation of social behavior. Not all citizens have
problem is presented on the example of the transformation similar attitudes. There are factors that can influence
of public space in the town of Kartuzy, Poland. greater acceptance of certain behaviors, the factors being
The aim of this research is to understand the process of for example the flow of information or the image of a
the design of public spaces using the ‘reflective practice’ place, the one to aspire to. Without a doubt, the culture of
approach developed at MIT and which was successfully used Western Europe and North America was that which was
in countries of South America. We argue that this approach seen as desirable by the majority of society during the
would have educational potential and would incrementally political transformation in Poland. The socio-economic
produce the most adequate solution, which would be both model adopted was, according to the dominant narrative of
resilient and sustainable. the time, radically neo-liberal, which of course must have
We assume that the institutional environment and cultural influenced the way the space was governed. Therefore, after
norms were key players in the design of public space in the political transformation, the local authorities who took
a transition country. One of the first things that had to be on the task of governing urban space needed to quickly
changed was the institutional environment, which refers develop new skills, mainly in order to adapt to the patterns
to the framework of formal and informal rules, policies, emerging from the dynamic transformation.
norms, and practices that shape the behavior and actions This raises the first question of what norms, behaviors,
of organizations and individuals within a particular context and attitudes were or should have been adopted during the
(Baluk 2019). This environment included various formal period of transition, when the flow of new trends, activities,
and informal aspects such as government regulations, and knowledge introduced new inputs into the institutional
cultural values, organizational cultures, social norms, environment and, at the same time, new cultural norms were
and legal systems, which were then largely rebuilt. The emerging.
institutional environment plays a critical role in shaping the Building a sustainable public space in dynamic conditions
behavior and performance of organizations, as well as in requires an attentive public space manager, who constantly
influencing the decisions and actions of individuals within observes and reflects on their actions, which have a real
those organizations (Balcerowicz 1994). The institutional impact on the place in question. There are already many
environment provided the context within which local methodologies for shaping good places. For example, the
movements that were responsible for the reshaping of idea of placemaking (Project for Public Spaces 2000) has
public space operated, and influenced the incentives, been widely adapted in practice of spatial design. There
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

have also been attempts to describe the elements of the in connection with the reflective process on the investigated
process. Ewing et al. (2013) for example, propose the design topic (Fig. 1).
elements and measures as well as operational definitions Schön translated reflective practice approach into the
and measurement protocols of five intangible qualities of design process by pointing to three stages: the design
urban design, being: imageability, visual enclosure, human problem, action (knowledge and skills) and the solution
scale, transparency, and complexity. Carmona (2019), by (design). This approach has been called ‘technical
contrast, described the ten principles for public space design. rationality’ (Schön, 1983, p. 21). Schön (1983) defined
He distinguishes the key elements that make a good space. ‘technical rationality’ as the most basic attitude in
He describes them in spatial–organizational–functional problem-solving. Cross (2018) tried to describe how both
categories and relates them to perception. the profession and design research have changed. He
However, as practicing professional urban designers and explained that they have moved beyond ‘a purely technical
experts point out (Carmona 2014; Punter 2007; Coppens interpretation of design’ to their own unique vision of
et al. 2021; Palazzo 2020), adapting any given strategy or what design is. Dorst (2008), naming it a ‘certain logic’,
concept to a particular space always needs a certain level underlines phases of new ways in which practice could be
of adjustment. One needs to consider the specificity of the improved. She proposes the following: ‘The purely analytical
place as well as its unique legal and social conditions. As models of science that we have been using will only get us
practice shows, the scenarios that have been successfully so far: in the face of such an immensely complex area as
implemented in one place can fail in another. If it were design, only experimental methods can bring the clarity and
otherwise, then a single solution for a particularly defined understanding we are seeking’ (Dorst 2008, p. 11).
problem would be applicable anytime and anywhere, always In contrary to ‘technical rationality’, Schön introduced
producing a good result. The dynamics of the modern world ‘Ref lection-in-Action’. As he further argued, the
require a more flexible and adjustable approach to producing understanding comes from the knowledge and use of the
design solutions. Additionally, some recent trends, such as designer’s tools. Schön himself explains this situation:
globalization, have resulted in blurred boundaries and the ‘A designer makes things. Typically, his making process
mixing of local and global issues. is complex. There are more variables—kinds of possible
The second research question we sought to answer in this moves, norms, an interrelationship of these. Because of
context was how the dynamic changes in so many factors, this complexity, the designer’s moves tend to produce
in particular the need to acquire new knowledge and skills, consequences other than those intended. When this happens,
influenced the process of designing and implementing public the designer may take account of the unintended changes he
spaces outside of large urban centers in Poland. has made in the situation by forming new appreciations and
understandings and by making new moves. He shapes the
situation, in accordance with his initial appreciation of it,

Schön’s reflective practice approach

The concept of reflective practice was originally developed

in 1974 by Donald Schön and Chris Argyris. They argued
that the basis for design diagnosis and action comes from
understanding the situation rather than acting on it (Schön
and Argyris 1974). Epistemology, which describes the
relationships among cognition, knowledge, and reality, and
the distinction between justified belief and opinion, was their
starting point.
This topic, although known, has not been described
widely, mainly because, essentially, every designer reflects
on their design task every time they tackle one (Schön,
1983). However, the core issue in the reflective practice
approach is to design using reflections consciously in
building the design concept, in the placemaking process,
as well as in the personal development of the designers
themselves.
Fig. 1  Development of competencies based on the reflective practice
The essence is meeting the assumption that the designer approach. Our own elaboration based on Patterns and Limits of
expands his/her knowledge, competence, and tool portfolio Reflection-in-Action Across the Professions (Schön, 1983, p. 282)
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

the situation “talks back,” and he responds to this situation’s Reflective practice approach: critique
back-talk’ (Schön, 1983, pp. 78–79). and development
The diagram in Fig. 2 illustrates the differences between
technical rationality (Schön, 1983, p. 21) and that using the The reflective practice and its advancement, just as
reflective practice approach. reflective critical thinking, has recently been discussed
Argyris and Schön emphasize that the key issue is to (e.g., Roco and Barberà, 2020; Parker et al. 2020). Its
use the moment of understanding to diagnose and solve the application has been appreciated in various disciplines,
problem. Schön calls it ‘reflection-in-action’ and ‘knowing- such as education, health, psychology, and economics.
in-action’ (Schön, 1983). It should be noted, however, that To perform a systematic quantitative literature review
in many cases, the term ‘reflective’ is simplified. Schön, on ‘reflective practice’ as presented and applied in practice
however, deemed the theory one of the primary elements by Schön (1983), a data analysis based on the Scopus and
(Schön, 1983). He believed it is important to ‘reflect on Web of Science resources was conducted. The keyword
work.’ He nonetheless emphasized that the key is to gain was the complete term: ‘reflective practice’, to ensure that
knowledge and learn from experience. He argued that, the reviewed articles relate to the theory discussed in this
in traditional terms, when a problem arises, the action paper.
results from the possibilities offered by the tools at hand For this paper, the literature review was conducted
and the knowledge. However, this does not lead to skills using quantitative and qualitative methods. Using search
development, but to a mere repetition of patterns when filters built into the databases, only articles relating to
solving problems. Reflective practice involves self- planning and architectural and urban design practice were
improvement, not just problem-solving. As such, every selected while all others were excluded.
experience not only entails the problem-solving process, but Among the 18 papers selected for review, it was
learning from it as well. This develops skills. The application noticeable that the explanation of the assumptions and
of reflective practice leads to self-development, experience is analysis of Schön’s theory continues to generate much
consciously gained and understanding of reality comes with interest (Waks 2001; Erlandson and Beach 2008; Soo
experience. Moreover, through this approach, one can learn Meng 2009; Erlandson 2014; Schaathun 2022).
during the process itself. It also strengthens openness to Soo Meng (2009) referred to seemingly two opposing
other people and personal development, through observation approaches, i.e., the instrumentalist theory of design and
and understanding of others as well as by learning from reflective practice, and showed that Schön’s evaluation
them. As a result, the following competencies are developed: of Simon’s theory of design contains ‘many open-ended
the ability to positively react to changes and to learn in order constructivist trajectories’ (Soo Meng 2009, p. 60).
to improve results, as well as openness to teamwork and A similar thesis was presented by Schaathun (2022):
joint activity, objectivity and, consequently, continuous ‘Intuition has a place which does not contradict reason’
professional development. (Schaathun 2022, p. 2).

Fig. 2  Technical rationality (left) and the process of solving the design problem using reflective practice. Elaboration based on Schön (1983) and
a reinterpretation of the framework of Valkenburg and Dorst (1998)
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

Erlandson (2014) fully outlines the background of the experiment logs (of iterative design processes), and peer
concept along with providing its development in various critique’ (Sadokierski 2020, p. 1).
fields, and then creates ‘an alternative view on skill An interesting voice is the work of Pedersen (2020),
acquisition to the one presented by Schön’ (Erlandson who addresses practical design issues, but in the electronics
2014, p. 794). In contrast, in their text, Erlandson and Beach industry. The assumption is that the design process is an
(2008) question whether reflective practice is always a good ever-winding spiral of analysis and its understanding in
idea because the human mind is ambivalent in nature. A the context of the staging, facilitation, and reframing of
similar point is made by Roberts (2009) who, based on negotiations during a co-design process.
work with students, suggests that the level of reflection is The literature review has also shown other publications
influenced by the individual’s propensity and willingness to related to applying the reflective practice theory in design. In
reflect, as well as the substantive support and direction on urban design, there are works showing the use of this method
how to approach the reflection. in practice (Visser 2010; Fischler 2012).
For many, the concept has become a substructure for Three books were selected that seem to be relevant to
creating new paths in design research. Dorst (2008) posits the topic because they relate closely to planning and design
that, in today’s complex environment, the design process practice. Sanyal et al. (2012) relate to a seminar held at MIT,
must be redefined, with reference to reflective practice. where Schön worked, which is a contemporary revision of
Tracey and Hutchinson (2016), having performed an his reflective practice approach.
experiment with a group of students, prove that uncertainty Willson (2020) connects reflective practice approach
is an element of designer identity. At the same time, they to the practice of urban planning and design and defines
point out that when discussing the overall experience at a processes similar to those used in this paper. He documents
higher level of reflection, most students failed to address the his long-term work with this method in the urban design
emotional aspects of uncertainty. field. He emphasizes its importance as a link between theory
Interestingly, many researchers have sought to provide and practice. Additionally, he notices that from a social point
their own interpretation of design methodology and to of view, it makes it possible to emphasize the individual
create their own frameworks based on reflective practice values, aims and ways of working, and allows the assessment
approach. Conceptual models have been built in various of context.
works (Roberts 2009; Currano and Steinert 2012; Uzunkaya Schön (1983) is essentially the benchmark for most of the
and Paker Kahvecioğlu 2020). Based on a collaboration with later research conducted in the field of reflective practice.
students, Roberts (2009) presented a hypothetical model that Hamilton, however, refers to an evidence-based process
connects the focus of reflection, the propensity to reflect, in design and confronts it with the intuitive approach
and the likely student output. A comprehensive framework (Hamilton 2019).
is presented by Currano and Steinert (2012), illustrated on Lundin then refers directly to ‘different forms of
two axes. They describe the opposite sides as ‘remembering’ knowledge, beyond evidence, which are partly hidden
and ‘gathering’ and categorize the individual activities as from our consciousness’ (Lundin 2020, p. 61). He presents
‘out-of-action’ and ‘in the action’. This draws a clear picture ‘alternative ways to understand the use of different kinds of
of what kind of reflection each group of physical and mental knowledge in order to promote better architecture’ (Lundin
activities evokes. A more complex framework that applies 2020, p. 61), with emphasis on a design-driven dialogue
to architectural activities is that presented by Uzunkaya process based on ‘conscious/reflective knowledge’ (Lundin
and Paker Kahvecioğlu (2020). Built based on their own 2020, p. 66).
experiences, their interpretation of the architectural There are also some limitations of reflective practice
profession and the thinking process is a very important approach that must be mentioned. Schön (1983) indicates
reference, as it represents the authors’ way of interpreting problems with the implementation of the postulates. He
thought. It outlines various tools, conditions, the agenda of notes that there are both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ professions, which,
time, design issues and personal knowledge. It provides an due to the type of activities performed, may have different
explanation of how an architect’s brain works. sensitivities in describing phenomena. He classified creative
An essential part of the literature review was to look professions as those that should be more open to reflection.
for such works that relate to design practice and describe He made the point that despite differences and dependencies
reflections on the process. Among the most relevant works is ‘we can account for significant differences in reflection-in-
Sadokierski (2020), who proposes guidelines for developing action within and across the professions’ (Schön, 1983, p.
a critical documentation practice based on reflection. He 270). He emphasizes that reflection-in-action is not always
creates ‘progressive overview maps, analyses of contextual a complete answer and reinterpretation of the possibilities
anchors (key literature and practice precedents), reflective of action.
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

An experiment performed by Valkenburg and Dorst development of the Kartuzy municipality (2018). Surface
(1998) showed that two different groups presented waters are a great asset to the town. There are four lakes
significant differences in action strategies and the results in the territory of the town: Karczemne, Klasztorne Małe,
obtained on the same mechanism ‘of naming, framing, Klasztorne Duże, and Mielenko. There are forests within
moving, and reflecting’ (Valkenburg and Dorst 1998, p. the town administrative boundaries (Fig. 3), which influence
266). Of particular interest were the remarkable differences its spatial development, and their existence significantly
in the behavior of the two teams. This corroborates Schön’s increases the potential for tourism. It is also an attractive
argument that the reflection formula provides a variety of place to live. The formation of the cultural landscape of
solution options. Valkenburg and Dorst concluded that Kartuzy and its surroundings was significantly influenced by
reflection and reflective projects are caught in an ambiguity the people living there, with their distinct Kashubian cultural
between two discourses on human thinking and action. On identity. It is perhaps worth mentioning that the Kashubian
the one hand, they consider people as rational intellectual community not only cherishes its own traditions, which are
beings who develop practical actions, while on the other they deeply rooted in the territory it inhabits, but also continues
emphasize that people act in a variable way and are guided to preserve and use its own language.
by their own logic. The town’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, when
It is therefore possible to conclude that the limitations a convent church and monastery of the Carthusian order
of the concept can be seen in many ways, but the most were founded near one of the lakes. The church was built
important limitations relate to the issue of the reflection on a rectangular plan of fieldstone and brick in the Gothic
process and the personal capacity to act, i.e., ambivalence style. To this day, these buildings are the cultural heritage
and uncertainty as characteristics that influence decisions. of the town. It is thanks to this monastery that the town
is called Kartuzy. In 1919, under the Versailles Treaty,
Kartuzy became part of Poland. However, it was not until
Kartuzy: reflective practice in practice 1923 that the village was granted the municipal charter. At
the time Kartuzy was the tourist and gastronomic center
A long-term experiment in cooperation with the town of of the region, but the Second World War interrupted the
Kartuzy aimed at analyzing whether it is possible to use development of the town. The post-war period saw the
and implement reflective practice in spatial development territorial development of the town, with the construction
focused on shaping public spaces. The key issue here was of housing estates (state-owned) companies, a hospital,
not only the personal gain of the designers, but rather schools, a hotel, and public administration buildings. Since
the enhancement of the knowledge and consciousness of the political transformation of 1989, Kartuzy has been
the local community in the wider context, including the governed by a local government re-established in the Polish
policy- and decision-makers. The town authorities (mayor, political and administrative system in 1990. The beginning
administration officers, town council) became the main of the socio-economic transformation was difficult for
target group for the experiment. The designers, obviously, the local authorities, as in many similar towns, due to the
as moderators of the whole process, worked according to the crisis (caused by so-called economic shock therapy) and
reflective practice process. Consequently, the method was difficulties in accessing funding for projects important
worked out on a scale of individual entities (the designers) as to the local community. The local authorities also lacked
well as on a wider collective scale of multiple entities. This the knowledge and skills to operate in a completely new
approach was aimed at designing and transforming a public environment. Over time, however, and especially after
space in the main square that would blend with the socio- joining the European Union in 2004 and gaining access to
economic needs and contribute to the cultural character of funding, the situation began to improve both financially and
the town. institutionally.
Kartuzy is an urban–rural municipality (Gmina) the The area of the town is around 680 ha, and the number of
capital of which is the town of Kartuzy. The town is situated residents oscillates around 15,000, with a population density
in the north part of Poland, in the Kashubian region. The of 162 per/km2 (Rada Miejska Kartuzy 2018). Kartuzy’s
distance to Kartuzy from the Pomeranian Province capital, urban residential structure consists mainly of single or multi-
Gdansk, is 33 km, and from the second largest urban center family housing units. There is a lot of greenery within the
of the Province, Gdynia, is 37 km. Thus, Kartuzy is located in urban tissue. The architecture of Kartuzy is typical for its
the so-called Gdańsk–Gdynia–Sopot Metropolitan Region. region. The buildings are distinguished by being low-rise and
The Kartuzy area features a young glacial landscape with compact in form and they have different roof shapes: gabled,
highly varied relief and rich in lakes (Studium uwarunkowań mansard, hipped, covered with tiles or fiber cement material.
i kierunków zagospodarowania przestrzennego gminy A characteristic feature is the shape of the windows, which
Kartuzy—Study of conditions and directions of spatial are almost square with a distinctive six-part woodwork. The
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

Fig. 3  Kartuzy characteristics: location, landforms, land use, greenery, transport map, town center. Source our own elaboration based on plans
prepared by K. Krygier, J. Wiszniewska, A. Lipczyńska

town possesses 177 objects listed in the heritage register partially surrounded by trees. The urban form of the main
of monuments (Rada Miejska Kartuzy 2018). Among this square remained mostly unchanged throughout the years
protected heritage is the ‘urban layout’, including Kartuzy’s with almost no surrounding frontages, and its eastern edge
main square and market square (Fig. 4). fully occupied by the Church of St. Kazimierz (Roman
The main square in Kartuzy has the form of a ca. Catholic since 1945). The frontages were filled with more
60 × 80 m rounded-off rectangle. It is oriented on a buildings as Kartuzy grew through the 1920s and 1930s
north–south axis with Kościuszki Street running right (Radajak 2018). Nowadays, the square has one entire
through the middle of the square. Dworcowa Street is located frontage of tenement houses on its western edge, while the
along its northern edge and connects the main square with northern and southern frontages are divided by Kościuszki
the railway station to the east and the town hall to the west. Street.
The square was formed during the ninteenth century due The primary connections of the square with the town’s
to Kartuzy becoming a town and was paved with stone and urban tissue are mainly the two parts of Dworcowa
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

Fig. 4  Problem to be solved: reshaping the main square in Kartuzy. Aerial photo: https://​meteor-​turys​tyka.​pl/​miejs​ce/​rynek-w-​kartu​zach
(accessed September 2021)

Street—eastern and western. They constitute a public (1) at the level of the city/municipality—‘Study of
space for pedestrians with many services along the ground conditions and directions of spatial development’,
floor-level frontages. The western part of the street leading which is a specific kind of the general plan for the town,
to the town hall and further to the park is closed to vehicle defining its spatial policy,
traffic. The church is the most significant building facing (2) at the level of the land unit/plot/set of plots—a local
the square, built in 1885–1887 in red brick neo-Gothic plan,
style (Regliński 2009). Most of the buildings on the square (3) at the level of an individual investment in the absence
come from the nineteenth century and were built in the of a local plan for the area—an individual building
neo-mannerism and neo-Baroque styles. After the Second permit.
World War and until the late 1990s, many of the historic
buildings in and around the main square were replaced The latter has commonly been seen as a direct
by their modern reconstructions. Their height varies from problem–action–solution approach leading to issuing a
three to four storeys, and they present a rather chaotic building permit in the shortest possible time. It needs to
picture, lacking consistent character in their form, color, or be mentioned that in this kind of approach, the first step
architectural detail. The urban interior of the main square tends to be reduced to the simple idea of a specific design
is broad with a wide central angle. task to fulfil, rather than a process of defining the problem
The characteristics of the urban form and, above all, the and its complex consideration. This simplified approach is
needs of the residents drove the town’s authorities to start mainly time-driven, focused on delivering a building permit
a public debate on the reorganization of this area in 2009. in the shortest possible time. This resulted in the common
This strategic approach was not very common in cities practice of conducting the design and implementation phase
in CEE countries at that time, especially in small towns very quickly, with no public participation, not to mention
(Lorens 2019). Equally unusual was the use of public no long-term debate on the shape of the public space. In
funds to introduce urban innovations (Rembarz 2018) such this context, the case of Kartuzy seems to be unique for the
as living labs to improve the public space. The new Polish following reasons:
model of spatial planning was introduced in the spirit of
neoliberal politics and has led to many conflicts between (1) the process was long term (10 years) and divided into
ownership and land development strategies (Mironowicz phases,
2017). (2) there was a continuation of activities, despite the
The planning instruments at the time were: change of authorities,
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

(3) the same team of experts was engaged throughout time, other municipalities, and towns in the region (e.g.,
various phases of the process, Kościerzyna, Chojnice) successfully obtained and used EU
(4) legally non-obligatory expertise was introduced and funds to redevelop and revitalize their main square public
prepared, which contributed to the development of the spaces. Kartuzy also applied for funding numerous times,
debate to make the best possible decisions, but with no success. Consequently, the mayor at the time,
(5) there was constant evaluation and validation through M. Lehman, decided to change the approach to reshaping
carrying out presentations in a broader public sphere— the public space.
public participation, The actions during phase 1 included the organization
(6) the previous phases were consistently built on of a student competition for the vision of the directions
developing ideas based on conclusions from the of development of public spaces in the town. In 2009, a
previous actions. group of students from the seventh semester of architecture
from the Faculty of Architecture at Gdańsk University of
Technology were invited as participants in the competition.
The process and its phases: A. Sas-Bojarska, J. Martyniuk-Pęczek, A. Durejko and Ł.
from functionalism to a sustainable Pancewicz coordinated the students’ work. The topic was
approach wide-ranging, indicating the problem of building a system
of public spaces in the town. A total of 21 projects were
The whole process was not planned from the beginning completed by the students, divided into themes: 12 for the
to the end in detail. It was more like a learning spiral, market square, 5 for waterfronts of the lakes, and 3 for the
winding more and more from phase to phase, enhancing train station promenade. This broad topic determined the
public engagement in the decision-making process of potential of various spaces throughout the town. The top
shaping public spaces, and promoting the understanding priority was given to the main square. The main benefit
of the town authorities’ actions. It was an attempt to work from this stage was that the authorities and the residents
out a participative cooperation model powered by reflective and stakeholders realized that there was more to do in
practice. That later led us to further applications of this terms of reshaping public spaces than just the main square.
process in other locations, e.g., in Gdańsk. On this basis, The projects tackled the challenge of reorganizing the
the method of ‘urban mentoring’ was developed, which, traffic scheme. The design ideas included increasing the
by applying the principle of reflection and discussion density of the facades of buildings and a new surface for
with participants in the process of participatory work on the square. Some of them introduced a new leitmotif, such
urban regeneration, led to the initiation of the processes of as ecology or promoting Kartuzy’s history.
change—including reflective practice at the neighborhood The students’ works were presented to the public and
scale (Martyniuk-Peczek and Rembarz 2016). open to criticism. A public presentation before the Town
Figure 5 shows the phases of the decision–design process Council and the Mayor took place in May 2010 and was
for shaping the main square public space in Kartuzy. The followed by an exhibition in the main square (Fig. 6).
works started with a student competition and were finalized Subsequently, an Internet poll was executed to find
with a design implementation. which project received the most attention and acceptance
Phase 1 started with the town authorities becoming from public opinion. The design with a new underground
aware of the need to reshape the main square. Its surface car park under the square obtained the most votes (494)
was renovated in the 1990s but it mainly functioned in April 2011. The inhabitants could not imagine banning
as a circulation/communication space, being a large traffic from the area of the main square.
roundabout for vehicular traffic in the center. During that

Fig. 5  Phases of decision-making and the design process for the redevelopment of the main square public space in Kartuzy
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

Fig. 6  Phase 1—presentation of the ideas before the Town Council owania-​kartu​skiego/​ga/​c4-​607702/​zd/​596588, accessed September
and exhibition in the main square. Photo of the exhibition: T. Tulula: 2021; graphic of the design with the most votes in an Internet poll.
https://​kartu​zy.​nasze​miasto.​pl/​kartu​zy-​zobacz-​propo​zycje-​zagos​podar​ Authors: M. Kaleton, Sz. Kaliszewski

Lesson learned from phase 1—the Town Council (2) reorganizing the traffic underground of the main square
members and the inhabitants saw the need for change in with an above-ground parking island,
the main square but were not prepared to remove vehicle (3) reorganizing the traffic with an above-ground pass-
traffic from the area. The idea with the underground car through in the middle of the main square, and
park seemed the best at the time, as a salve for fears of (4) banning vehicle traffic from the area of the main square
business activity located in the area being reduced due to and reorganizing it around the town center.
the lack of vehicle access.
The mayor saw the need to promote and discuss the Each option was followed by a financial and spatial cost
designs in the media but also noticed the necessity to estimation, with option 1 being the starting point as a 100%
develop expertise on this proposal to make sure it would cost reference. Accordingly, option 2 presented ca. 68% of
satisfy and meet all needs. the cost, while options 3 and 4 ca. 42%.
Phase 2 began with the lessons learned from phase For us, one of the critical issues was to visualize the
1. Professional expertise was commissioned. The town design decisions. Schön (1983) warned that the models
was provided with a functional–spatial concept design and communication methods of designers are not always
together with an estimated cost. The concept covered the correctly perceived by non-professionals. Therefore, it was
topic of the possible location of an underground car park decided that a set of simple collage-like visuals would be
under the main square and was conducted by a team of presented to illustrate different options for the interventions
professionals and academics who had also been involved in the public space (Fig. 7). The proposal with the
in phase 1, and thus were familiar with the situation and underground car park and underground passage for vehicular
the expectations. The essential aim was to illustrate the traffic required ramps, which were an unacceptable intrusion
discussion on reorganizing the traffic concept according into the space of the main square (Fig. 8).
to the ‘life between buildings’ (Gehl 2011). The options were presented to the Town Council
We were privileged to lead the team that developed members and local journalists. Finally, after debates, options
the spatial analysis for the design the main public space 1 and 2 were rejected, and a hybrid of options 3 and 4 was
system, which prioritized the needs of pedestrians, chosen for further work. This meant an above-ground, open
while also considering the parking options in the center. public main square space, with recreational facilities and
Additional circulation and traffic analyses were conducted. a substantial amount of greenery; however, with seasonal
They demonstrated that it was possible to provide (autumn–winter) vehicle traffic going around the south-
approximately 970 parking places within 3 min walking eastern edge of the square, eastbound towards the train
distance from the town center. station (Fig. 9).
The critical element of the work was to present four Lesson learned from phase 2—the authorities and
alternative conceptual solutions for the area of the main designers discussed the conclusions from the process
square: and the presentation. It was noticed that the inhabitants
had already become accustomed to the visions presented
(1) main square with an underground car park, previously in phase 1 in the students’ projects and
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

Fig. 7  Impression collage of the proposals developed in phase 2

Fig. 8  Impression collage showing how underground ramps take up valuable space in the main square (phase 2)

were convinced that they would be implemented Phase 3 was aimed at preparing a concept for the
immediately as the next steps (according to the rule redevelopment of the main square in line with the previous
of task–action–solution). However, at the authorities’ conclusions. The idea of walkability in the public space was
decision-making level, it was decided that the work on going to be tested as well. Together with A. Milewczyk,
the design concept would be continued based on the building on our experience from the previous phases and
conclusions from phase 2. It was also noticed that working work in other towns (e.g., Starogard Gdański), we sought
with the same set of experts throughout the process to incorporate into the design some values that were
guaranteed continuity and consistency. unique to the town of Kartuzy. The criteria given by the
For the designers, it was a harsh lesson. On the authorities were to propose a design of the square based on a
one hand, they could deliver to the public a quick and historical narrative connected with Kartuzy. We thus decided
anticipated solution accompanied by all the negative spatial to correlate the historical narrative with the strongest
consequences—implementing parking/traffic options. On the element—the name of the town and its founders from the
other hand, they could continue the search for other solutions medieval period—monks of the Order of Carthusians.
and experience harsh criticism from the inhabitants, who Three alternatives were presented, all based on the
were afraid that removing traffic and parking spaces from priority of pedestrian circulation, but also allowing seasonal
the main square would result in their local businesses going vehicle traffic along the south-eastern edge of the square.
bankrupt. Soft skills in communication and presenting were All the options proposed an open, multi-functional space
crucial at this stage. in the main square area. A water fountain in some form was
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

Fig. 9  Four options presented in phase 2

proposed. All the options were also focused on the social of this solution and started to discuss their own ideas and
and recreational function of the square as a focal point with experiences from similar implementations in Europe.
a significant amount of greenery. The lesson learned from phase 3 was that the
The connotation to the history of Kartuzy was given in stakeholders’ engagement increased during the process. The
the form of modern sculptures of silhouettes of Carthusian Town Council members and inhabitants played active roles
monks in natural scale, placed around the area, illustrating during the presentation, discussion, and online afterwards.
their daily occupations from the times of the Carthusian Still, most of the voices touched on the issue of removing
monastery in Kartuzy. the traffic from the main square. At this time, the Polish
The design was presented to the town council and the version of the book ‘How to Turn a Place Around’ (Project
local press. Based on previous experience, we tried to for Public Spaces 2000) was published. It triggered an idea
make the message as clear and straightforward as possible. that the authorities could initiate a test period for one of
In doing so, we decided to create an animated sequence the solutions. It was decided that a solution with partially
showing a walk around the area. This medium was found allowed vehicle traffic would be introduced for a certain
to be a good idea-transmitter. The original unwillingness amount of time to test how it works and confront the
to accept any changes shifted into a creative discussion anxieties of the inhabitants about removing or drastically
(Fig. 10). limiting the traffic.
Some of the councillors were still skeptical about the In 2014, there was a change of local government in
idea of removing traffic from the main square. The criticism Kartuzy. The new mayor, M. Gołuński, decided to
was not strong, and the councillors noticed the potential continue the discussion and debate on the design of public
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

Fig. 10  Main features of the concept presented in phase 3

spaces. Phase 4 was the implementation phase, but of a The testing lasted 7 months, with the summer period
temporary, test character. The authorities decided to test being crucial as the main square was intensively occupied
the idea from phase 3 of partially removing the traffic during that time. The new traffic layout and directions were
from the north-western area of the square and leaving it painted using traffic paint on the drivable surface, and the
to bypass the south-eastern side, including allocating a urban furniture on the square was reorganized accordingly
limited number of parking places along the line of traffic. (Fig. 11).
The idea was anchored in the notion that one can learn a The lesson learned from phase 4 confirmed the previous
lot through observation, and the idea that society is the assumptions that the public would accept limiting, not
expert (Jeleński and Kosiński 2009). removing, the traffic from the main square. This conclusion
gave the authorities the direction for further action. It was

Fig. 11  Testing the partial limiting of traffic in phase 4. There are visible temporary traffic markings on the drivable surface designating the
traffic direction and parking places. Photo: Studio GO for www.​kartu​zy.​info (accessed September 2019)
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

a signal for us as well that the walkability may not always and the pathway to the train station. The paving included
work as expected. The local community might not be ready re-positioning the existing historic stone paving in the main
for such a change. We have found that prototyping and square area as well as the introduction of new modern paving
testing a solution for a period of time can be a key element in in the promenade and the pathway. The greenery design
evaluation and decision-making, and in promoting change. included reshaping the layout of the trees, and smaller
Phase 5 was the final design of the designated area and greenery in the relaxation platforms on the main square area
was also the final step of the process that began in 2009. The as well as on the promenade (Fig. 12).
same team of designers was involved in it. We remembered In 2016, the town authorities decided to divide the final
the conclusions from the previous phases, as did the town design into two implementation phases, with additional sub-
authorities and Town Council members. phases, so that it could be funded accordingly and prudently.
The guidelines for this phase were: The design team was in charge of preparing a new set of
detailed documentation for the contractors for the execution
(1) to transform the main square area into a multifunctional phase, which was conducted in 2017–2019.
public space, and The lesson learned from phase 5 was that even in such
(2) to limit the vehicle traffic to the south-eastern area of big and complicated urban renewal projects, there is a place
the main square, all year round. for flexibility and ongoing discussion throughout the whole
process. Flexibility meaning the town authorities being able
The design was commissioned and implemented in the to divide the project into sub-phases at the appropriate time
years 2015–2017. It was focused on creating an attractive, and communicate with the designers to do this. The lesson of
walkable public space on the main square connected with flexibility also applies to the design team who had to adapt
a pedestrian promenade on the western side and with a the original design to new requirements under considerable
drivable and walkable connection to the train station on the time pressure. Finally, flexibility is needed from contractors,
square’s eastern side. who should be open to adaptive solutions that emerge during
Some elements discussed and proposed in the previous the execution phase. During phase 5, all the participants of
phases were incorporated into the design, such as a fountain the process used their experience from the previous phases,
and some individual elements to emphasize the identity of thus benefiting from the reflective practice approach.
the public space. However, they were transformed following Phase 6 was the implementation phase of the final design
reflections from the previous phases. and was conducted in two stages (stage 1 being the main
The previously chosen narrative of the square, which was square renewal). The implementation and construction
the cultural identity of the Kashubian region, determined all phase can be described as conducted according to standard
detailed solutions. This identity was embodied in the form practices in similar investment processes, and was nothing
of: unusual, except for two things:

(1) Carthusian secrets—the Kashubian alphabet in the form (1) the town authorities did not undertake an open
of simple icons incorporated into lit glass elements competition for the ornaments among local artists, and
of paving, spread out throughout the promenade, (2) the town authorities resigned from the idea of
and leading to the dry plaza fountain. The elements developing a mobile app that could read the QR codes
would have a QR code, which would show relevant incorporated into the ‘Kashubian secrets’ in the lit-up
information, play a tune, read a story, etc. floor paving elements. Thus, the floor pieces that were
(2) Relaxation platforms—steel and wooden structures intended to carry a QR code imprinted in them are now
with trees and smaller greenery depicting the town of empty.
Kartuzy as being surrounded by dense forests on all
sides. The relaxation platforms would also serve as Because of these two changes, the whole public space
a socializing area as they are designed to encourage experience lacks the ‘non-physical’ and interactive aspects
discussion between users. of the cultural identity envisaged in the design to be one of
(3) Ornaments on the furnishing elements (lanterns, bike the critical elements. We are not aware of why the decision-
racks) to be designed via an open competition among makers did not go through with the implementation of these
local Kashubian artists. The chosen ornamental motif, elements and can only assume that it was too complicated
or several motifs, would then be prepared and placed and/or too expensive, and therefore probably could be added
on elements in the public space. in the future (Fig. 13).
In order to summarize the whole process of the renewal
The urban furniture included a set of modern seats of the main square, it is possible to use the guidelines
and lighting, individually designed for the promenade provided by Carmona (2019), who distinguishes the
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

Fig. 12  Final elements emphasizing the cultural identity of Kartuzy. Design team: J. Martyniuk-Pęczek, G. Pęczek, Ł. Rayss, J. Rayss, A.
Milewczyk

following critical factors in the planning of public spaces: The reason for this was the need, sensed from the
evolving public space, diverse public space, and free beginning, to give the town a heart, integrating various
public space. The process of creating the square, presented users, and enabling as many diverse activities as possible.
in this paper, is in line with Carmona’s assumptions of that It should be noted, however, that the authorities also
both the method of implementation and the spatial form learned a lesson in the whole process and have since worked
that stands out from the urban fabric are equally important. on a roadmap for the implementation of further elements
The second requirement of uniqueness and diversity was of the public space system, i.e., the waterfront, the park,
partly embedded in the square in the Kartuzy design. and the square in front of the train station. The critical
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

Fig. 13  Implementation of the final design and the use of the elements of the proposed public space

factors of ensuring accessibility and securing rights and are working on subsequent projects to be implemented
responsibilities were also addressed because during the (such as the revitalization of the Kashubian Manor, the
implementation of the process, various property owners development of the railway station area or a multimedia
(clerical and private, among others) were involved so that library, the redevelopment of the waterfronts of the lakes)
the continuity of the space was assured in a coherent way using the experience gained from our collaboration.
regardless of the form of ownership and secured in the long Kartuzy obtained EU funding for some of the projects in
term. Thanks to the use of reflective practice approach in 2016. In the meantime, the ‘Local revitalization program’
the whole process, these same vital factors can be found in was also prepared for the downtown area. In this program,
our Kartuzy project. new topics were mentioned, including those connected
Through the incorporation of some local motifs, the new with climate adaptation and rainwater management. For
main square can also be described as a meaningful public this innovative approach, Kartuzy was awarded an Eco
space. It survived the pandemic period of 2020 quite well City prize in 2017. A reflection on what has succeeded
(no bankruptcies in the main square area) and can also be and what obstacles have emerged has resulted in the
seen as a robust public space (adaptable and distinct in the town authorities continuing to upgrade the townscape
face of change). One feature that is lacking is the locally dynamically. The transformation process in Kartuzy has
produced Kashubian ornaments, as well as the elements of led to step-by-step changes in urban development, which in
the proposed city game (with the QR codes), which could turn has increased the residents’ expectations. They have
guarantee a coherent fulfilment of the category of an open engaged in the process. After the main square renewal,
social space (encouraging social engagement and active interest in renting restaurant premises on the main square
users). has increased. New functions in the area have emerged.
Redefining the main square in Kartuzy took 10 years The upcoming developments based on environmental
(2009–2019) and was done in six phases. In this period, awareness and rainwater management in the next steps
the town authorities changed, but the process continued. of shaping the public space show that the town policies
Initial criticism was not able to stop the process; quite are heading towards improving sustainability. Shaping
the opposite—it motivated the stakeholders to reflect public spaces is a never-ending and ongoing process.
and adapt to take further steps. The town authorities The Kartuzy case shows that reflective practice helps to
have enhanced and strengthened their competence. They develop an effective process for carrying out these actions.
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

Key findings time, it was noted that changes and the appearance of new
people meant that time was needed to get to know each
Two types of findings emerge from the process we have other, learn about each other’s work methods, and jointly
been involved in. The first type refers to the material develop a strategy. Bringing new members into the process
sphere and the reconstruction of the public space of the was important because as Soo Meng (2009) noted, human
market square. The second is related to the personal nature is predisposed to rational thinking and reflecting on
sphere, the formation of attitudes, and the development the actions and their results.
of skills. The combination of two spheres—professional work
Some of the findings overlap with previous studies. and academic work—in considering undergoing a certain
Like Roberts (2009), we found that the decision-making process with reflective practice allowed us to outline
process was influenced by the individual propensity and a descriptive scheme presented in Fig. 14. The idea of
willingness to reflect, as well as substantive support and transcribing experience is not new, and many researchers
direction on how to approach reflection. A clear example were inclined to record it in the form of a framework
of creative reflection can be found in phases 3 and 5, (Roberts 2009; Currano and Steinert 2012; Uzunkaya and
which concerned the development of the project by the Paker Kahvecioğlu 2020; Willson 2020). This is also a way
architects. The decisions in phase 3 were different from to record reflections after an action.
those in phase 5, where the style was changed (instead of Two proposed frameworks are relevant to us because they
referring to the classical design, modern solutions were are based on experiences from professional practice. The
sought) and a new functional program was implemented. ‘Reflection Framework with Prompts’ proposed by Willson
In addition, some of these phases were continued by shows the ‘dynamics of a planning episode’ (Willson 2020,
decision-makers who changed functions (a former p. 92). It moves from context and its interpretation through
councillor became mayor). Personal issues and individual uncertainty and ambiguity to reflection on incongruity and
intellectual capacity—including deeper reflection—were ambiguity—the whole process is dissected as interconnected
also noted in relation to the depth of the conclusions and parts inscribed in a spiral turn. However, Willson lacked
decisions made. The changing authorities ensured that some continuity and description of how the various stages
the policy followed the same direction, but at the same affect each other. The second significant interpretation of the
description of the design process in the context of reflection

Fig. 14  Scheme of ‘reflective practice’ in urban design

 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

was proposed by Uzunkaya and Paker Kahvecioğlu the lessons behind the proposed solution by renewing the
(2020). They advocate a transcription in the form of concept, and successively when they receive a design task
the diversifiability of the discovery map: the reflective with a problem, they can renew the design issues. Such a
knowledge of the architect. It is a spiral arrangement process is one of continuous improvement. The scheme in
describing the different stages of design. They note that Fig. 15 is based on an analysis of the process in Kartuzy.
“reflective knowledge can enter the process at any point, There, the designers moved from ‘design issues’ through
helping the participant’s personal knowledge emerge and ‘renew design issues’ to ‘design implementation’, which
modify interpretations of subsequent designs” (Uzunkaya gave further impetus to think about how the public space
and Paker Kahvecioğlu 2020, p. 516). works and what elements of the public space system are
Uzunkaya and Paker Kahvecioğlu (2020) wanted to refer missing.
to the description of the process as an endless loop. They Figure 15 shows how the various stages of the design
have followed the loop proposed by Cartwright (2002), process in Kartuzy were written into the infinite loop. The
which in their opinion showed the extensive relationship in loop reflected each phase and showed how it influenced
the context of lifelong skills development. Our contribution subsequent actions and decisions. The task of redesigning
to the description of the process of reflection using an the market square was first posed as a student competition,
infinite loop was to show and make designers aware of the which, after further consideration, made it clear that
fact that each project and reflection in and about action helps further phases of expert analysis were needed before a
to develop and create a framework for lifelong development. design solution could be found. The proposed project gave
A simplified scheme of a path, which is probably followed knowledge, but by phase 4, prototyping, the authorities
by most architects and urban planners all around the world were ‘getting wiser’ and decided on the next phase of the
is presented in Fig. 14. If it is viewed through the lens of design, but with a renewed design issue. Phase 6 of the
reflective practice, it is likely to be perceived as an infinite implementation showed, through reflection, that there were
loop. many places in the town that needed improvement, and so
Figure 14 illustrates that reflective practice can be the idea for a renovation of the public space system was
followed in the case of design (Soo Meng 2009). The born. We assume that implementing each new element of the
designers are always given a task—a problem to solve— public space renewal strategy will contribute to the relaunch
which they then solve with the help of knowledge and of the infinite loop.
skills; when they turn on the reflection-in-action, they can We are convinced that by consciously aligning the process
approach the solution in a more flexible way. Designers learn on the graph in this way, it will be possible to identify further

Fig. 15  Scheme of ‘reflective practice’ in the Kartuzy process. The graphic presents the phases: 1: Student competition, 2: Expert analysis, 3:
Design proposal, 4: Prototyping by town management, 5: Distinct design, 6: Implementation
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

areas of intervention, and a group of decision-makers will the design expertise and design practices of the future’
intentionally develop their competence through reflective (Dorst 2008, p. 11). Willson did the most to demonstrate
practice. the applicability of reflective practice by presenting
Thinking about reflective practice as an infinite loop is seven different procedures. He summarizes many years of
not a new perception (Cropley et al. 2020). Attempts to practice: ‘reflective practice makes significant intellectual
adapt this method for use in professional fields other than and moral demands that in turn lead to professional growth
education would likely develop and enhance the toolkit of and effectiveness’ (Willson 2020, p. 325). The challenge
any type of professional. we set ourselves was therefore to evaluate the impact of
reflective practice on the process of transforming a place.
The Kartuzy experience has shown that reflective
Limitations of the process and scheme practice can be an element that builds the narrative of the
actions. It also develops the narrator’s competencies and
During the design process, we realized that the decision- skills. In this case, the narrator was both us as designers
makers (who, like us, are soft professionals according to and the client (town authorities). Both parties analyzed,
Schön 1983, p. 270) did not fully understand how important synthesized, concluded, sought new answers, and planned
it was in the whole concept to interact with the community, new tasks and actions.
which was supposed to happen by involving them in the Schön (1983) noticed that the narrative emphasizes
creation of ornament designs and decorations, and through individual values or aims, ways of working, and the
participation in a city game supported by an app for QR assessment of context. The aim was to improve the public
codes (which has never been developed). space despite the adverse reactions occurring along the
During the implementation phase, we encountered an way. In reflective practice, when something does not work,
example of a demanding profession (Schön, 1983, p. 270) you look for another solution to the problem. The designer
in the form of the contractor, for whom the most important does not bow to social pressure just because it is loud
aspects of project implementation were those connected with and needs appeasement. The designer reflects on a better
the budget. way to get through to the community with a better, more
As for Kartuzy’s infinite loop scheme, a limitation explicit, correct message. Rosenberg emphasizes that one
occurred when step 4 of the scheme (getting wiser) was needs to elucidate the specific needs to be able to reflect on
disrupted. This led to a return to step 1 by posing the same them and adapt a specific reaction to them if it is needed
problem again—building an underground car park under (Rosenberg 2016).
the market square, instead of moving on to the next steps The influence of reflection on competence-building was
and generating a re-thought-out concept for carrying out a introduced by Schön and Argyris (1978). They referenced
financially rational and attractive development. educational issues and observed that when people
concentrate on perfecting their inner values instead of
just understanding them, the learning happens in a double
Discussion loop. It involves reflecting on emotions and experiences
by asking questions such as: What results did we get? Why
The main purpose of this work is to show the essence of did we go through this process in that way, not another?
reflection in and on action as a vital element in the design In this double loop, inspiration can be found to build
process. The lessons learned from reflective practice help competence in both the individual and collective areas
to shape guidelines and outline the path of decisions. of people responsible for certain tasks in the creation of
Studies which show the implementation of reflective public spaces (Fig. 16).
practice are quite common (Valkenburg and Dorst 1998; The double-loop learning method leads to the self-
Roberts 2009; Hughes 2009; Currano and Steinert 2012; improvement of one’s toolset and to becoming a senior expert
Hatleskog 2014; Tracey and Hutchinson 2016). Similarly, designer (Gribbin et al. 2016). This skill is most significant
reflective practice has been tested based on self-reflection, in the work of an architect–urban planner–designer. Gribbin
as exemplified by Hughes (2009), who emphasizes elaborates after Cartwright (2002), who indicates that
the use of both reflection on daily life and a creative ‘double-loop learning is an educational concept and process
autobiography for the development of professionals. In this that involves teaching people to think more deeply about
paper, however, we wanted to show that reflective practice their own assumptions and beliefs’.
was meant to be used not only by the designers, but also Ref lective practice is a process of continuous
by the group of decision-makers running the processes. development—a personal one, but it can also be transferred
In this approach, we agree with Dorst that, ‘Design to the scale of a town and a group of people who decide on a
researchers should join design practitioners in co-creating path of a certain process. In the case of the Kartuzy project,
 J. Martyniuk‑Pęczek, G. Pęczek

Fig. 16  Scheme of double-

loop learning. Source our own
elaboration based on: https://​
doubl​eloop​learn​ing.​co.​uk/​about/
(accessed September 2021)

particular phases and reflections during the ongoing process important issues in the current debate. The participatory
have iteratively produced another design issue to tackle. design process, which took place in Kartuzy during the first
phase of the project, was perhaps the key to the subsequent
stages of the process, as the debate on the changes involved
Conclusions a wider range of stakeholders. It should not be forgotten that
the characteristic urban structure of Kartuzy, including the
In this paper, we propose the use of ‘reflective practice’ as a developed access system to the main nodes, the proximity
tool to support the process of transforming the public space of greenery and public transport links, and the pedestrian
in dynamically changing conditions. It can involve several access to the main attractions, has positively influenced the
perspectives—that of the designer and that of the decision- development process of the square.
maker as well as the inhabitants, the contractor, academics, For the last 30 years, local governments in Poland have
local NGOs, and many others. It aims at assessing the struggled with the consequences of changes in planning
situation, responding to change, and structuring the diversity policies after the political and economic transformation
of a growing problem, which is expected to lead to urban of 1989. These consequences resulted from the shift
transformation. in the economic system towards the so-called ‘market
This paper is an attempt to distinguish the approach of economy’, the introduction of neoliberal policies and new
‘reflective practice’ as an effective way of working in a legal framework of spatial planning. The consequences
transformational setting, so that by discussing key questions, of this massive transition have affected the development
starting points, reflections during the process, practical of public spaces in Polish cities and towns and the values
implications and constraints emerge that help in finding that underpin their transformation, such as sustainable
appropriate solutions. development. Meeting the social and economic demand
We have shown that, particularly in the context of together with providing funds for public spaces has been an
changing conditions of access to theoretical knowledge and enormous challenge. The last 15 years, following Poland’s
changing institutional environments and cultural norms, accession to the European Union, demanded adaptation to
this method helps to bring together points of understanding the level and rules of acting according to the EU guidelines.
about needs and solutions for urban planning and enables Many projects were implemented in public spaces, with
competence building. many paths to success.
We based this study on our own experience in Poland The process in Kartuzy can be considered a pioneering
and the lessons learned from it. Building and enhancing example in Poland. The application of reflective practice
competence and consciousness among city authorities, led to the particular sequence of actions analyzed in
urban designers and architects is vitally important, this paper, and the use of this experience, to implement
particularly in the post-transition countries, in which the redevelopment of other public spaces, such as the
both demands and challenges have been overabundant in waterfront and paths around the lakes, and a square in
recent times. Furthermore, especially in these countries, it front of the monastery. The experiment in Kartuzy has
is important to enhance public participation processes of shown that ‘reflective practice’ can relate to an individual
urban transformation. Significantly, this is one of the most as well as to a collective body. Of course, taking that
Reflective practice as a basis for building a sustainable public space: the case of Kartuzy

into account, the level and intensity of the emotions and applicable knowledge and adaptations for better design
conclusions from the ‘Why We Do What We Do’ lesson for all. In parallel, this will also allow for continuing
varied from person to person and from group to group; professional development, a requisite for all professionals.
however, we suggest that this ‘experience’ and ‘thinking/ The Kartuzy case study shows that reflective practice
reflecting’ has produced significant ‘actions’ and changes went beyond the designers to achieve a satisfactory outcome.
in the town on a bigger scale. Today, Kartuzy is seen as This evokes formulating research questions that highlight
a town that has gone a long way in building a sustainable important directions in the design of public spaces: Is the
public space. It started with a narrow field-of-view, with process of designing public space a continuum that imposes
the town authorities essentially focusing on the task new layers and meanings through the different stages of
of redesigning the main square. Once the project was design? Is the process influenced rather by the institutional
initiated, unplanned and unexpected benefits/consequences environment or perhaps by cultural norms which relate to
began to emerge, which the parties involved reflected on the character of the people involved? How can initiatives and
and then fed new thoughts back into the process. Soon it projects based on ‘reflective practice’ influence urban policy
began working as an infinite loop, from a narrow design and the shaping of public space as a continuous system?
approach to a complex transformation of the main square Does the choice of the reflective practice approach as a
of Kartuzy, and later expanded into a participatory regenerative, dynamic, and flexible design tool, which goes
development process for other spaces in the municipality. far beyond the designers, guarantee a successful reshaping of
This extended process involved all key stakeholders over public spaces? We have outlined some of these in this paper.
a long period of time. The adoption of reflective practice
and its learning process as a primary trigger has enabled
the design process to incorporate other criteria, such
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