History of Copernican Integration Centre

Copernican Integration Centre - how it all began....

In January 2021, the Rector of the University of Nicolaus Copernicus, Prof. Andrzej Sokala, the President of Toruń, Michał Zaleski, and the Marshal of the province, Piotr Całbecki, signed a letter of intent to jointly establish in a building on the property of the emergency underground water intake "New Bielany" - Copernican Integration Centre. Then began the long process of revitalizing the former pump station, as well as preparing the unit's profile and program, which is to be guided by three slogans: tolerance, cooperation and integrati

The official opening of the Copernican Integration Centre took place on September 12, 2023. The opening event was a side event during the Torun leg of the World Copernican Congress. As Prof. Dr. Andrzej Sokala, rector of the University of Toruń, said - We are opening the KOI in a special year - the 550th anniversary of Nicolaus Copernicus' birth - (...) we thought it would be worthwhile to leave some kind of lasting trace after this event - something that will serve the University community and city residents for decades.

Three buildings have been adapted for use by the NCU community and the city and region, as well as the garden area, where a community garden and barbecue and recreational space have been created. The former engine room (the so-called "Moomin Tower") houses a quiet room, the rector's office and, in the basement, a large room with couches, armchairs and a kitchen for use both by reservation and freely during KOI opening hours. The residential building has been converted to office space, which includes International Point and the offices of the rector's attorneys (the Academic ombudsman and the Deputy Rector for equality) and a small conference room. The basement is a space prepared for use for workshops, training, or holding various less formal meetings. The last building has been adapted into a conference room accommodating 12 people and a so-called "hot desks", which can be booked for specific days for work/study. 

What was here before?

At the beginning of the 20th century, due to the strong development of Toruń, the demand for water increased, as the existing outlets were not enough for the city. In 1915, a decision was made to build a new pump station. Its task was to supplement the shortage of water in the city network. The new water intake was designated in the area of the former pioneers' training ground in Bielany. The project was implemented in 1916, and work was not completed until May 1917. At that time, a 2-story brick engine house with a basement and a one-story brick dwelling house with a basement and high attic were built. The station was equipped with electric motors, and the dwelling house was designed for the engineer who operated the station. A small outbuilding was built near the building. The New Bielany station was entered in the register of monuments in 1982, as it is an important architectural and cultural element of the city of Toruń.

Fot. Mikołaj Kuras