On Wednesday, 29 October 2025, students of the Faculty of Architecture and Design at the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, specializing in spatial planning, visited (f)Itcubator in Poprad. Under the guidance of coordinator Silvia Ondrejíčková, they took part in a professional excursion exploring Poprad’s urban design solutions, public spaces, and the city’s potential for smart development.
The program also included a series of expert lectures offering students various perspectives on the intersection of spatial planning, technology, and sustainable energy.
The first speaker was Igor Wzoš — sociologist, smart city expert, Poprad city council member, and representative of the Slovak Smart City Cluster (SSCC). In his lecture “Smart Cities and Smart Regions and Smart Energy – Trend or Opportunity?” he presented an authentic view of smart cities — those that deliver real solutions for municipalities and their citizens. He was joined by Ľubica Otčenášová, project manager at SSCC.
He was followed by Martin Baloga, urban planning expert, faculty member at the Faculty of Architecture and Design (STU), and Poprad city councilor. Using open maps, he introduced students to interesting sites in Poprad and explained their urban and architectural context, offering inspiration for future student projects and designs.
The final part of the event featured Jozef Pavličko from Phillip a.s., who presented practical examples of how smart technologies can complement architecture. Through real-world demonstrations, he showed how modern energy systems, automation, and intelligent environment management can enhance architectural solutions — from building management to urban district planning.
The students’ excursion in Poprad demonstrated that the future of spatial planning and urban development lies in connecting design, technology, and sustainable energy. (f)Itcubator once again confirmed its role as a place where education, innovation, and collaboration between the city, academia, and the private sector come together.
