Polish-Canadian Architectural Exhibition

The exhibition paid tribute to the outstanding architects and projects that, over the years, have influenced the development of Vancouver, as well as other cities around the world. The exhibition demonstrated how the collaboration of Polish and Canadian architectural circles globally have influenced architecture and urban planning with a focus on the contributions of Polish architects in Canada.

The Architecture Without Borders highlights both historical and contemporary accomplishments of Vancouver-based architectural firms collaborating with Polish specialists. It comprises several sections, each dedicated to a different aspect of architecture, including the work of Dr. Bogusław Babicki, historical and contemporary contexts, and renowned architectural projects—including competition-winning designs —that have received recognition both locally and internationally. Across 54 display boards, the exhibition showcases photographs, visualizations, and technical documentation of approximately 70 architectural works located in Metro Vancouver, across Canada, as well as in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

The featured projects span a broad spectrum of building types: industrial, recreational and sports facilities, high-rises, commercial and residential complexes, healthcare centers, public institutions, academic and research facilities, and designs inspired by the culture of the First Nations. The exhibition showcases both historical and contemporary contributions of eminent Polish-Canadian architects, including Bogusław Babicki, Krzysztof Borowski, Gregory Borowski, Adam Sławiński, Tomasz Staniszkis, Elżbieta Berezowska, Wojciech Grzybowicz, Wojciech Brus, Wiktor Chorobik, and Maciej Gołaszewski. The exhibition concept and curatorial framework were developed by Jan Böttcher.

Their collective contributions have resulted in an exhibition that serves as both a platform for critical discourse and a testament to shared architectural heritage. The project is held under the Honorary Patronage of key Canadian architectural institutions, including the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and the Architectural Foundation of British Columbia.

Architecture Without Borders is a tribute to the legacy of architects of Polish heritage who, over the decades, have actively shaped the urban landscape of Canada and beyond. It is also a reminder that architecture – as a discipline that fuses function, beauty, and shared human values – truly knows no borders.