Kraków Study Trip – exploring a new city
We love our day jobs, but nothing beats getting away from work to enjoy time out with colleagues. We call our annual trip the GRADONARCHITECTURE study trip. Each year, the team explores a city in Europe. We get to discover new cultures and different types of architecture. This always enriches our design work.
In the past, we visited Venice, Barcelona, Prague, Belfast, London, and Palma. Kraków was the perfect city to restart the tradition after we paused during COVID. It’s easy to reach from Newcastle Airport. Kraków amazed us with its mix of old and new architecture. Historic buildings sat comfortably next to modern designs. That felt refreshingly different from the UK.
The city offered a great design perspective. We loved the intricate details everywhere. Even the ornate lampposts caught my attention. We took lots of photos for future inspiration.
During our stay, we did many things. We joined a walking tour and saw key landmarks. We visited the castle, the Jewish quarter, and Schindler’s Factory. The visit to Schindler’s Factory moved us and grounded the trip in history. We also explored markets and quaint cafes in side streets. We watched the annual parade for Polish Independence Day. It gave us a great sense of the city’s culture and pride.
In the evenings, we tried local cuisine. We bonded socially with colleagues. We rarely get that chance during busy workdays. The frosty weather added a cinematic feel to the trip. Heavy fog grounded flights, so we extended our stay by an extra night.
Overall, the trip changed how we view architecture. The industry demands a broad skillset and wide knowledge. In five years, we might remember one key fact from the trip. That fact could help us add value to a future project. The trip also showed the value of working for an employer who goes the extra mile. They ensure the team feels happy and can develop in their roles.