International #EXPO2022 City Re: Invented Łódź, Poland
EXPO is the world s biggest recurrent exhibition. Its aim is to present the humanity s modern cultural, scientific and technological achievements. There are two main types of EXPO: World EXPO and International EXPO. The World EXPO takes place every 5 years, lasts for up to 6 months and has a general theme. The International EXPO takes place in between World EXPOs, and lasts up to 3 months and covers a specific theme. Polish government plans to submit a letter of notification to the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE) in Paris, France in mid-2016. It will be a start of the formal application procedure to obtain the rights to organize an International EXPO in 2022. Shortly afterwards a robust documentation will be completed, explaining in detail the plan to carry out the exhibition. In 2017 the BIE s general assembly consisting of 168 delegates from all over the world will vote whether to grant Poland the right to organize the International EXPO in 2022. The predominant theme of International EXPO 2022 in Łódź, Poland will be the regeneration of urban areas.
To revitalize means to make someone active, healthy, energetic again. Is urban revitalization a simple renovation of the city s material structure? Or is it a change that should take place in our minds, which are constantly affected by the surrounding environment, by the city s material structure? For every society revitalization may mean something different but a common denominator exists. Regardless of the location, it is a key to the eternal youthfulness both of the mind and the body. Please treat this document as an invitation to Łódź - a city which is a Polish pioneer of revitalization, a pathfinder who would love to share with you its experiences and learn about yours.
International EXPO is an opportunity for Łódź, and in a broader sense for Poland. Łódź, and in a broader sense Poland, form an opportunity for the International EXPO. The opportunity to attract world s attention to the biggest revitalization project in Europe. The opportunity to bring back the EXPO exhibition from the outskirts to the very centre of a city.
Why is International EXPO Łódź Poland 2022 so important?
Because it would: 1. Enable the exchange of knowledge and experience of urban revitalization, 2. Mobilize worldwide citizens to pursue a common goal, 3. Give a chance to the cities in different counries to improve the quality of life of their inhabitants Łódź has a unique vibe and story that can make it an extremely interesting place to see and to live in. It is currently at the breaking point, in the midst of the revitalization process. Today is a perfect time to visit Łódź and experience the ongoing changes occurring in the city.
What makes Łódź s bid exceptional?
The exhibition will take place in the city center and will be entangled in the city s fabric. This makes International EXPO 2022 exceptional. The exhibition itself will be a part of the revitalization process. By taking place in the very center of the city it will enable the visitors to witness the ongoing urban renewal. The exhibition will be its grand finale. 86% of the exhibition's infrastructure will remain in the place. 14% will be rearranged and used elsewhere. It will discuss global and relevant issues of urban decay and rebirth over half of the world s population lives in the cities and this percentage is expected to grow. The exhibition will be organized on the basis of Smart City, sustainable development and mobility principles. It will be co-created by the citizens. For the revitalization to be successful it has to be carried out in line with the needs of the citizens and engage them to the greatest possible extent. So has the organization of the International EXPO 2022. It will give every participant a chance to present his or her own views and experiences of urban revitalization.
What stories will International EXPO 2022 Łódź Poland tell?
The exhibition s program is constructed around different facets of revitalization. The main theme reflects the foundation of a successful revitalization process i.e. civic participation. It is described by the City Re: Invented claim which emphasizes the fact that each city worlwide has its own process of change and renewal to tackle, and all of the dwellers should feel good in their city and be responsible for it. The program is divided into 7 related subthemes, each representing a crucial aspect of the city life..
We know what stories the exibition will tell. We also have an idea how it will look like. What we lack is your story the story of your country, of your city. Please feel inveted to share it with us We want the EXPO 2022 to be a global event, relevant for both us, and you. Let s engage in creating this EXPO together!
Please share your story with us! The International EXPO 2022 Łódź Team expo@uml.lodz.pl