Tag: BUSINESS

Interview: rethink, redesign, reuse

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

We talk to Anna Branicka from Design Anatomy about designing in the spirit of zero waste and the EPA award received for the design of the Bayer office in Gdańsk’s Olivia Centre.

 

You have won another international award for office design. This time, it is a project in the spirit of Less waste, prepared for Bayer. What makes this project stand out?
Anna Branicka: Our common goal was to adapt the premises to the changing needs and expectations of employees. The project was implemented as part of Bayer’s Next Normal Office Concept. Implementation in the spirit of less waste allowed us to optimize the costs of modernization, which did not affect the style and quality in any way. It’s an approach to design in the spirit of smart: rethink, redesign, reuse.

 

 

The Next Normal Office Concept is a new standard for the entire Bayer Group, so what is the leitmotif of this direction?
It is a global, well-being-oriented strategy that aims to create a flexible work environment, adapted as best as possible to the changing rhythm of employee activity. Based on the new standard, we have made numerous changes to the functionality of the office, while maintaining the existing layout of walls and ceilings. The open space has been divided into smaller, more intimate zones, which is conducive to effective individual work, but also communication and cooperation in teams. Private offices have been redesigned in favor of more flexible and accessible spaces that are conducive to various forms of work and relaxation. The newly designed spaces include quiet work rooms, relax rooms providing a place to relax and recharge batteries, and snooze rooms allowing employees to take a short nap during the day. All this to improve the comfort of work, concentration and well-being of employees.

 

 

At the same time, the offices have gained a completely new style, related to the place where the offices and the entire Olivia Centre are located.
Yes, the main theme of the project is references to the historic Gdańsk district where the office is located. Oliwa is a district full of historical buildings, parks, cobbled streets and tenement houses with terracotta roofs, wooden verandas. That is why we used a wide range of warm reds and greens in the design of the office, referring to the surrounding landscape. We introduced vegetation in custom-designed pots to create soft transitions between zones and give the space an organic rhythm. We took care of solutions that improve the comfort of work, we equipped the space with acoustic booths, wall panels and openwork partitions separating individual work zones or carpets with high acoustic parameters. The office has become more functional, friendly and full of harmony.

 

One of the most interesting directions of this project is designing in the spirit of less waste. Where did the inspiration for design come from, allowing for the reuse of previously available resources?
We live in a world of increasingly rapid change. We observe the pace at which the style of work is changing, how important it is to be flexible in building teams for specific projects, and thus adapting the workspace. At Design Anatomy, we feel how much responsibility designers and engineers have for the footprint that their projects leave. Less waste is a natural, organic direction for us – resulting from respect for the existing tissue, materials and the environment. That’s why we always analyze each project very carefully, looking for elements that we can reuse and give them new value. In this way, we create spaces that are sustainable, and at the same time as aesthetic and functional as those created from scratch.

So what solutions did you use?
We have kept most of the elements such as walls, ceilings, a significant part of the installation. We refreshed and reused the door joinery, stairs, some of the furniture, acoustic panels. We have introduced modular mobile solutions that allow for future changes, without generating excessive waste. Carefully selected materials – with high durability and natural aesthetics – have given the space a new quality without losing its economical form.

 

What are the benefits for investors? Can they be translated into numbers? How much more would such a rearrangement cost if it were not made in the spirit of less waste?
I think that in the case of a full replacement of buildings and equipment, the additional costs could reach a dozen or even several dozen percent. But it is worth mentioning that this is not a simple calculation. While the preservation of walls, ceilings and installations brings measurable savings, in the case of elements undergoing renovation or alteration, we often balance on the edge of profitability. They need to be dismantled, taken to a workshop, refurbished, and then brought back and reinstalled. At a time when it is increasingly difficult to find a good professional, the costs of working hours and service are increasing significantly, it could be worthwhile to dispose of the old door and order a new one with delivery. Fortunately, in the less waste philosophy, we do not focus only on financial savings, we look more broadly at caring for the environment, and here the benefits are indisputable.

 

From the information I have been able to obtain, I know that this project has become a model solution that finds new imitators in other offices?
We receive information that representatives of other companies are very curious about this project and often ask for details during their visits. We even heard from Bayer employees that they have already specialized in touring the office and presenting individual solutions in the spirit of less waste. We are glad that they feel good in the remodeled office and feel better in it. For us, there could be no better feedback. Such assessments make us all the more confident in designing more environmentally responsible workspaces.

 

What are you working on now?
Currently, we are implementing several projects that continue the direction of responsible design – both offices and public spaces. We explore the subject of modularity and longevity of materials, we work on interiors that correspond to modern work rhythms and the need for closeness to nature. We believe that the future belongs to flexible spaces, created with respect for existing resources – and in this spirit we develop our next projects.

 

Design Anatomy is an architectural office that has been awarded many times in Polish and international competitions, which has in its portfolio the implementation of projects of over 200 thousand. m.kw. offices, an observation deck on the 32nd floor of Olivia Star, a conference space on its 34th floor, as well as numerous architectural and interior design projects for buildings located throughout the Tri-City.

Olivia Centre sums up 2025

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The largest contract of 2025 in the Tri-City, great trust from residents and high attendance during events. Olivia Centre sums up 2025.

 

46 thousand m.kw. space lease agreements, 18 new residents and 250 thousand guests during business events and events are the results of Olivia Centre for 2025. Olivia Centre maintains its leading position in Northern Poland and is preparing to expand its services.

 

The second best result of commercialization of space in the history of Olivia: despite the dynamic situation in the office segment, Olivia is not slowing down. Remote and hybrid work is still ongoing, resulting in vacant space in regional cities constantly increasing, and companies reducing office space. As a result, there is an increase in the diversity of tenants, and thus an increase in the tenant mix and expansion of cooperation opportunities within the ecosystem of large business centers. This results in increased business stability and less sensitivity to changes in individual industries, which in the past had a negative impact on the situation of some office buildings.

 

At Olivia Centre in 2025 ended with lease agreements for space at the level of 46 thousand. m.kw. Only one year in the history of the project ended with a higher result. Among the signed agreements, the dominant extensions, which covered as many as 33 thousand. m.kw. This group includes two residents, each of whom has extended the contract for over 10 thousand. m.kw. which was the largest lease agreement in 2025 in the Tri-City. Thanks to this data, Olivia retains almost 100% of the leased space: 95% occupancy allows it to maintain the reserve necessary to provide growth opportunities for existing tenants and to select business partners accordingly in terms of the center’s strategy and commitments to current tenants. Last year, the center welcomed new tenants, including Scania Group, Ørsted, HedgeServ, DHL Global Forwarding, Lux Med., Unicredit and worldbox.

 

– Was it a difficult year? No one who works in the office real estate segment will say that these are easy times, because this market is still undergoing transformation, and the finale of these changes is still unknown to everyone – says Maciej Kotarski, director at Olivia Centre. – Olivia is becoming a real mixed-use center, consistently expanding its leisure offer for the Tri-City community and tourists. The excellent results of Olivia Star Top prove that this is a highly anticipated destination by tourists and residents of our agglomeration. In 2026, Olivia will expand its offer with residential apartments in the new Olivia Pulse building, thanks to which we will welcome permanent residents of Olivia Centre for the first time in the history of our project, becoming not only a business and event center, but also a place to live every day. This is an important stage of development for us.

 

“Many business centres are developing their mix-use offer, which should be considered a valuable direction in terms of the role these centres play in the urban fabric,” emphasizes Maciej Kotarski.– Olivia Centre has been ahead of these trends many years ago, developing towards a hospitality centre, preparing restaurants, a conference and event centre and the exotic Olivia Garden, open to all residents of Gdańsk. We are also developing our passion development projects: Olivia Yacht Club, Choir and sports clubs serve the integration and well-being of employees. I believe that this direction will develop and is a value for employees and many residents of the Tri-City, who take advantage of the opportunities offered by Olivia. It is also a value for Residents, which is confirmed by the numbers: 18 new residents (a record), lease extension agreements at the level of m.kw 46 thousand and 95% of lease – all this confirms the value that the development towards the hospitality center brings.

 

The year 2025 was also the year of the O4 Coworking jubilee, which has undergone a unique evolution over the years. Business maturity allows us to complement the services offered to tenants with much more than just renting space for work. O4 expands its capabilities with special events that allow members of this unique community to grow their business and network. The past year is best illustrated by the numbers: the 8th edition of recruitment speed dating, a large Lead Well conference, 3 charity campaigns, 20 special events for coworkers and 30 projects carried out together with external partners. This year, 20 new companies with a total of 600 employees joined the community. 9 of them are companies from outside Polish.

 

“2025 was the best planned and implemented year in our history ,” says Marta Moksa, director of O4 Coworking. – Everything we have done: networking meetings of our clients, recruitment speed dating or the loudest birthday in history is a combination of our experience and research on the experience of our Residents. And the sales records of offices and desks, on the other hand, are the result of the laborious O4 brand, built over years and on reliable evidence. Nothing comes easy to us, we do everything in an unusual way – but I am very happy that such an approach brings long-lasting and safe effects. Trust, relationships, a sense of security – this cannot be bought with tricks or social media campaigns. These are all those small and big things that make O4ians repeat: “with you it is possible”, “we feel taken care of”, “we want to stay here”. For me, the most important achievement is the cosmic NPS – 3/4 of our customers give us a rating of 9 or 10! This is a great joy and a great commitment for 2026. We are preparing a lot of novelties, because those who do not develop, go backwards!

 

Olivia Star Top, occupying the top floors of Olivia Star, also closes the year with exceptional successes. During the year, we hosted nearly 250 thousand people,” says Rafał Marcyniuk, Member of the Management Board of Olivia Star Top. – On the 34th floor alone, we have organized almost 350 business and private events – from corporate meetings and conferences to anniversaries and closed events. The entire Olivia Star Top space was also buzzing with music throughout the year – over 500 live music performances took place on all floors, which became one of the characteristic elements of the guest experience.

 

The year 2025 brought further successes confirming the highest quality of the gastronomic offer in the restaurants on the top floors of Olivia Star:

  • The ARCO restaurant has maintained its Michelin star, confirming the stability of the highest culinary standards.
  • Treinta y Tres has once again retained the Michelin Bib Gourmand award.
  • Antonio Arcieri was once again included in the prestigious list of The Best Chef Awards, this time receiving the “2 knives” distinction.
  • The Arco restaurant has been featured again in the international guide La Liste.
  • The project also won the prestigious Wine Spectator award – two glasses, confirming the highest quality of our wine list.
  • Among the most important events of the year, a special place is occupied by unique authorial dinners hosted by Paco Pérez, including dinners with Dani García – one of the most outstanding and recognizable chefs of contemporary gastronomy. These were events of a unique nature, emphasizing the international rank of Olivia Star Top.

 

“Last year was a time of consistent development, high attendance results and further strengthening of its position as one of the most prestigious gastronomic and event venues in Poland ,” says Krzysztof Dembek, Member of the Management Board of Olivia Star Top. ” Olivia Star Top is not just a place, but a strong brand – associated with quality, consistency, unique emotions and experience at the highest level.

 

 

 

GFKM Academy of Professional Development and Equality – free training for Pomeranian SMEs

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The Gdańsk Foundation for Management Education , which is our Resident, has received funding from the European Union for the implementation of the “Academy of Development and Professional Equality” project. The project supports companies from the SME sector from the Pomeranian Voivodeship in developing employee competencies and implementing solutions that promote equality and diversity in the workplace.

 

The initiative includes two training programmes:

 

Competence Academy for Women
It is addressed to women employed in SMEs, with particular emphasis on the 50+ group. It includes a series of developmental training and an individual MindSonar diagnosis (before and after training) that helps participants identify their own thinking styles and areas for further development.

 

Equality and Diversity in the Workplace
A programme for employees (60 women and 60 men) that aims to raise awareness of gender equality, build an inclusive work environment and implement practices that support equal access to development and promotion.

 

Who can benefit?

Participation in the project is intended for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from the Pomeranian Voivodeship. In total, 260 people will take part in both programs. The project can contribute to:

  • improving the professional competences of the participants,
  • increasing knowledge about equality and counteracting stereotypes,
  • strengthening the professional position of women, especially women 50+,
  • improving organizational practices in the area of equality and diversity,
  • facilitate the reconciliation of work and private life through more conscious actions of employers.

 

Why?

This is a real opportunity to change organizational practices, increase employee well-being and introduce modern HR standards – at no additional cost to employers. On behalf of GFKM, we invite you to contact us and apply. All information is available on the https://akademiarownosci.gfkm.pl/ website.

 

The value of the project is: PLN 754,275.00Co-financing from the European Funds: PLN 641,133.75

 

UniCredit has opened one of its first branches in Poland at the Olivia Centre in Gdańsk

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The echoes of the announcement of UniCredit’s return to Polish have not yet subsided, and the second largest banking group in Europe has already opened its first branch at Olivia Centre in Gdańsk. The facility is located on the ground floor of the Olivia Gate building and offers a full range of services for private and corporate clients, including premium customers.

 

“We assume in the three-year plan that our revenues will come from three main sources, in a proportion of 1/3 each. Firstly, revenues from the banking as a service (BAaS) part, the second part is revenues from the large company segment, and the third part is individual customers and small businesses – said Wojciech Sobieraj, CEO of Vodeno and Head of the Supervisory Board of UniCredit NV/SA, during the press conference.

 

UniCredit Group is a pan-European universal bank with assets of EUR 880 billion. It has over 15 million customers, among which 1 million are business customers. Its activities include, m.in, Italy, Germany, Austria and the region of Central and Eastern Europe. In 2016, the group decided to withdraw from Polish, and now it returns with an offer of services, available m.in example in the application.

 

Olivia Centre is the largest Polish business centre and one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. It consists of 9 buildings located on the main artery connecting Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. The area of the Gdańsk center is 175 thousand. m2. Companies such as Amazon, Bayer, Capgemini, Deloitte, Energa, EPAM, Fujifilm, Lyreco, Luxmed, Medicover, Nike, Nordea, PwC, Ricoh, Sii and thyssenkrupp have their offices in Olivia.

 

“The choice of Olivia was determined by several factors,” says Monika Misztal-Rybka, director of the Gdańsk branch of UniCredit. The decisive influence was the central location in Gdańsk, convenient access, modern office infrastructure and an extensive range of services for tenants. Access to common spaces and business events taking place in Olivia is also important. The biggest advantage is the ability to organize business meetings in an inspiring environment. We also appreciate the modern architecture, comfortable office facilities and the unique atmosphere of the place, which is conducive to integration and networking in the Tri-City business environment. An additional convenience is access to a wide range of gastronomic options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant and an observation deck with a panorama of the city.

 

The first Tri-City Unicredit branch will offer the full range of the bank’s offer.

 

– Thanks to full automation of processes and the use of modern fintech technologies, we save our clients’ time and simplify banking services. Companies gain a unique, fully remote process of applying for and signing a loan agreement, attractive exchange rates and solutions supporting day-to-day business management, including the allocation of financial surpluses. We will also soon be making available a wide range of opportunities to invest locally and globally. All in one next-generation “all-in-one” app where you can conveniently manage all your finances. Customers benefit from a comprehensive offer tailored to their needs – both in a branch and remotely via an app or in a place convenient for them. Our team is also mobile – thanks to modern technological solutions, we can carry out most of the processes, including submitting and signing applications, in a place and time convenient for the client. These are all elements of our philosophy of building relationships based on convenience, trust and real benefits – emphasizes Monika Misztal-Rybka.

 

Design Anatomy wins the prestigious International Property Awards!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Our architectural studio Design Anatomy has once again been awarded in the prestigious International Property Awards competition! The title of Best Office Interior Poland European Property Awards 2025-2026 was awarded to the design of the Bayer office, located in the Olivia Centre. Thisaward is the result of close cooperation between Bayer, Design Anatomy and Construction+.

 

  • The jury of the competition appreciated the architectural concept, combining a modern approach to functional office spaces with local heritage.
  • The project supports not only the work of teams, but also activities related to the rhythm of everyday life, the need for movement, social relations, communication and rest.
  • At the same time, it subtly refers to Oliwa – one of the most beautiful districts of Gdańsk. The colors of the interiors, maintained in warm reds and greens, evoke associations with the Tri-City Landscape Park and the characteristic architecture of the area.
  • The entire project was designed and manufactured in the spirit of less waste, perfectly aligning with both Bayer’s global strategy Next Normal Office Concept, which aims to create friendly workspaces, and the implementation of Bayer’s sustainability goals.

 

The International Property Awards is one of the most recognizable awards in the world of architecture and real estate, being a global symbol of quality. The competition was inaugurated in 1993 in London, and over the years it has gained an international reputation, attracting leading design studios from all over the world. Currently, the awards are divided into regions; m.in. Europe, America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

 

The official award ceremony took place on October 23, 2025 in London. It is a great honour for us and a confirmation that creativity, attention to detail and understanding of the needs of users are values that will always stand up.

 

Design and implementation: Design Anatomy & Construction+
Project team: Anna Branicka, Mateusz Szczeciński, Barbara Wasilewska
Implementation team: Sławomir Szyca, Jakub Stefaniak
Bayer Project Team: Michał Gryczko, Justyna Jankowska

 

See the project

 

Photo: Tom Kurek

 

 

This excellent distinction goes to the Design Anatomy team once again. Only in recent years, the international jury has appreciated and distinguished three DA projects:

 

▪️ Just Join IT Office (Best Office Interior Poland 2024-2025),
▪️ Derbit Office (Best Office Interior Poland 2023-2024),
▪️ LPP Contact Center space (Best Public Service Interior 2023-2024).

 

 

Tri-City as a hub for aviation companies

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

NAVBLUE, a company of the Airbus Group, has opened its office in Olivia Centre. The company’s presence in the region strengthens the position of Pomerania in the aviation sector, which is gradually becoming the Polish center for this sector. It is also another step in the development of the Pomeranian Aviation Hub – a cluster in which over 1700 people currently work.

 

NAVBLUE, a wholly owned subsidiary of Airbus, manages a key European aerospace operations solutions center in Gdansk. The office specializes primarily in the production of aeronautical data and software, develops and delivers solutions for aviation operations. Thanks to them, it is possible to increase the operational efficiency of airlines and develop aviation in a more sustainable dimension.

 

“With around 118 specialists, NAVBLUE is actively recruiting software engineers, data analysts and technical support experts,” says Artur Siebert, Ho Aero Data & Managing Director at NabBlue. – The choice of Gdansk was of strategic importance to us, mainly due to the region’s reputation as a recognized European software and aviation hub. It is also a region that currently provides access to talented employees and the excellent infrastructure and accessibility of the Olivia Centre. The company also emphasizes its goal of striving to become a preferred employer in the region.

 

The development of NAVBLUE directly strengthens Airbus’ broader industrial commitment in the country, which already employs highly qualified staff at three locations (Warsaw, Łódź and Gdansk). As a result, the Polish office is an important element of Airbus’ strategy to pioneer in building a safer and more sustainable future for the aerospace sector in Central Europe. The city of Gdansk was chosen because of its recognized position as an aviation and software hub in Europe.

 

As Maciej Kotarski, director at Olivia Centre, emphasizes, the slogan of the Navblue brand perfectly reflects their plans: Reach for the Skies – the slogan NAVBLUE can be understood literally, because it is a company dedicated to air operations carried out for airlines and aircraft operators. Olivia will be staffed by a team that is developing very quickly and has already crossed the barrier of 100 people. Such a resident confirms that Gdańsk and Oliwa are becoming a recognized European center of aviation, software and human resources for the aviation industry.

 

The company has joined other entities related to air transport that have their offices in Olivia. Previously, AirBP, a company specializing in JET-A1 fuel trading and handling aircraft refueling processes in Gdańsk, Warsaw, Katowice, Lublin and Szymany near Olsztyn, located its offices here. The offices in Gdańsk are the headquarters of the company’s management board, and they also employ specialists in administration, logistics and trade.

 

One of the three offices of Boeing Poland also operates in Oliwa. The Gdańsk branch focuses on the development of software and management systems for global databases, supports Boeing’s full portfolio of digital services for pilots and airlines. About every fifth flight in the world uses navigation maps from Gdansk. In addition, the office is home to the Software and Avionics Engineering Center. Nearby, also in Oliwa, there is also another tycoon from the aviation industry – Lufthansa Systems Poland. The company specializes in the development of software and other IT solutions for the aviation and logistics industry. Lufthansa Systems Poland provides outsourcing and BPO services: it creates and implements IT solutions for companies in the aviation industry.

 

The development of companies from the aviation segment in Oliwa is related to the development of the Pomeranian Aviation Hub, as well as the development of the airport in Gdańsk Rębiechowo. Since 2019, the Aviation Hub project has been developed in the Pomeranian Voivodeship – a cluster of companies from the aviation industry, the task of which is to increase the number of services and products related to the aviation industry, delivered and developed in Pomerania and Poland, to develop cooperation between aviation market participants and academic staff in order to increase the level of innovation and integration of the created aviation solutions, to increase the level of their competence and specialization, education and sharing of aviation industry knowledge with a wider audience, offering modern technologies directly to customers of the aviation market, promotion of high-class aviation products and services created and developed in Pomerania. The project partners are Invest Pomerania, the Gdańsk Economic Development Agency, Boeing Gdańsk, Lech Walesa Airport and Smart4Aviation.

 

One of the main factors in the development of the cluster is the growing position of Lech Walesa Airport in the domestic and European air transport market. The average year-on-year increase in passenger numbers remains at 12% and already in 2023 exceeded the record results that the airport achieved before the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the airport ended with a total of 6,714,149 passengers, which allowed it to maintain the third position, after Warsaw Chopin Airport and Krakow’s Balice. The dynamic growth in the number of passengers and services also allows Gdańsk Airport to be one of the most dynamically developing airports in Europe.

 

Fig. Dawid Linkowski

Olivia Home wins two awards at the CEE Investment Awards 2025

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

During the 15th edition of the CEE Investment Awards gala, which took place on October 30, 2025 in Warsaw, Olivia Home was awarded in two prestigious categories: Residential Developer and Future Project for the Olivia Pulse investment apartment building under construction in Gdańsk.

 

The awards were received on behalf of the company by representatives of the Management Board : Ewa Nowicka, Grzegorz Mikołajczyk and Wojciech Pawełkowski.

The CEE Investment Awards is one of the most important events in the real estate industry in Central and Eastern Europe. Every year, it distinguishes companies and projects that set the directions for the development of modern cities through innovation, sustainability and high quality architecture.

 

The Olivia Pulse project , awarded in the Future Project category, is a 17-storey building with investment apartments, being built at Olivia Centre, the largest business and service center in Northern Poland. The investment includes 245 premium apartments, designed for rent, thus responding to the needs of professionals, investors and people looking for a prestigious location by the sea.

 

– Olivia Pulse is an extremely important investment for us, both from the perspective of developing the development structure and the ambition to create a space with a unique character. Our goal was to design a place that is modern, functional, and at the same time harmoniously fits into the surroundings. We are all the more pleased that the project has been noticed and appreciated by such an outstanding jury – comments Ewa Nowicka, Sales Director and Member of the Management Board of Olivia Home. – It is also a confirmation that the direction we have taken, based on quality, aesthetics and a sustainable approach, is gaining recognition not only in the eyes of customers, but also industry experts – she adds.

 

For the Gdańsk-based developer, this is an important distinction, which confirms the growing position of the Olivia Home brand in the premium project segment and its contribution to the development of modern, resident-friendly urban spaces.

 

Olivia Pulse

Maltese Christmas Wafer at Olivia Centre. Become a volunteer!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

On December 1, 2025, Olivia Centre will host a special event – the Maltese Christmas Wafer  (Opłatek Maltański) –  marking the 24th edition of this festive gathering and the fifth time it will take place in Gdańsk, on the highest floors of Olivia Star. Each year, the event brings together several hundred invited guests. The organization of this exceptional celebration is an initiative of the Polish Association of the Knights of Malta.

 

The Order of Malta: over 860 years of tradition and over 100 years of helping those
The Order of Malta began its mission in 1154. In Poland, it has been providing aid to those in need for over 100 years through the Polish Association of the Knights of Malta. As part of its charitable work, numerous initiatives are organized – among them one of the most significant, the Maltese Christmas Wafer, which in 2025 celebrates its 24th anniversary.

 

The Maltese Wafer: History and Purpose
Malta from Kraków, with the support of His Eminence Cardinal Franciszek Macharski. Each year, the event brings together thousands of people in the spirit of Christmas, offering moments of joy, a sense of community, and material support to those facing difficult life circumstances.

 

This year’s edition
In 2025, the Maltese Christmas Wafer will take place in over 30 towns and cities across Poland. In addition to traditional Christmas Eve gift packages containing toys for children, food products, and personal care items, participants will receive emotional support. The initiative focuses not only on material aid but, above all, on shared time together — bringing companionship to those who are lonely or in need during the festive season. One of its most important aspects is creating a truly special atmosphere. For many guests, it is not just a Christmas Eve dinner, but also a chance to pause, breathe, and step away from everyday challenges. In Gdańsk, it also offers the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views from the 34th floor of Olivia Star — the tallest building in Pomerania.

 

At the Christmas Eve table in Olivia, families with children, seniors, individuals living alone, and people with disabilities will once again gather together. The table will be filled with traditional holiday dishes, served to the sound of carols. It is a time spent in warmth and togetherness — filled with conversation, celebration, and a sense of community.

The Tri-City edition of the Maltese Christmas Wafer will take place on December 1, 2025, on the 34th floor of Olivia Star. The event will host several hundred guests in need from Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot. Olivia Centre will also welcome, among others, the Mayors of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot, as well as His Excellency, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Gdańsk.

 

Become a Volunteer!
It is only thanks to the incredible dedication of our Volunteers that we can create such a special event — one that fills the Tri-City with kindness, festive warmth, and joy.
If you’d like to be part of this Christmas gathering and join as a Volunteer, please contact Monika Tarnowska, Coordinator of the Maltese Christmas Wafer in the Tri-City.

 

Preliminary Volunteer Schedule

Friday, November 28 – Transport to Olivia Star
Deliveries of equipment and gifts will arrive from various locations.
Help will be needed with loading and unloading.

Sunday, November 30 – Gift Packing
Location: Olivia Star

Two volunteer groups:

  • Group 1 (conceptual) – from 11:00 a.m.
    Preparation of workstations and sorting of gifts.

  • Group 2 (packing) – from 1:00 p.m.
    Packing of gift boxes and preparing them for distribution to event participants.

 

Monday, December 1 – Event Day
Start: 11:00 a.m., Olivia Star
This is the moment when we come together to brighten the day with smiles, energy, and heart.

 

Become a Donor!

The organization of the event in the Tri-City would not be possible without the support of Sponsors and Donors who make it possible to prepare Christmas Eve meals and gift packages for invited guests. If you’d like to become a Donor, please contact Monika Tarnowska, Coordinator of the Maltese Christmas Wafer in the Tri-City.

 

Contact for Volunteers and Donors:
Monika Tarnowska
Coordinator of the Maltese Christmas Wafer in the Tri-City
Tel. +48 695 452 102
E-mail: monika.tarnowska@zakonmaltanski.pl

 

Institutional
The initiative is co-financed by the City of Gdańsk and supported by the cities of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot.

 

How can you help?

Individuals and companies wishing to support the Maltese Christmas Wafer can make contributions to the account of the Polish Knights of Malta Foundation:

PKO Bank Polski SA | Account number: 39 1020 2892 0000 5102 0523 8771
Please include the note: “Maltese Christmas Wafer”

The Maltese Wafer in Olivia 2023, photo: Bogusław Wieczorek, oplatekmaltanski.org

Free consultations at mBank

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

On 3-7 November from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m ., we invite you to free consultations on IKE, IKZE at mBank (Olivia Gate A).

 

We know that it is better not to delay a visit to the mechanic when the engine light is on. In the same way, it is not worth postponing thinking about retirement when we get 30% of our current salary from ZUS.

 

We invite you to Olivia Gate A during the opening hours of the facility. You can make an appointment by phone! Tel. 48 789 868 631.

 

 

 

 

 

LeadWell 2025. Leaders who like people

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

Two days of intense meetings, filled with conversations about leadership that starts with a person. The next edition of the LeadWell conference has ended at the Olivia Centre – an event that has already managed to gain the position of one of the most important points on the map of the development of the leaders of northern Polish.

 

The program included lectures, discussion panels, workshops and networking. Experts invited to participate talked about the most important challenges of contemporary leaders: from job crafting and self-reflection, through motivating teams and improving the competencies of the future, to creating and implementing strategies. The agenda also included a topic without which it is impossible to talk about effective leadership: healthy sleep and its impact on work efficiency. According to experts, a sleep-deprived leader is up to 30 percent less engaged team.

 

On the LeadWell stage, m.in Sebastian Drzewiecki, Maja Gojtowska, Agata Grenda, Paweł Wujec, Bartek Olejniczak, Piotr Nowosielski, Mateusz Majchrzak and Rocco Spencer performed. The workshop part was led by practitioners who have been professionally accompanying development leaders for years: Maciej Sznitowski, Monika Czupajło, Paweł Korycki, Iwona Borzym and Elżbieta Lewandowska.

 

Although the conference offered a solid portion of knowledge, the organizers unanimously emphasize that the most important thing was to change the perspective. Participants proved that diversity of ways of thinking drives development, and constructive differences of opinion can be more valuable than complete agreement. The shared experience of the presence of hundreds of leaders has also shown that a leader is never alone. The power of leadership lies in relationships, community and everyday decisions that have a real impact on the work environment.

 

LeadWell is an O4 Coworking initiative developed with passion and a lot of courage. The organizers joke that this is a classic “magical” project – no one requires its implementation, and yet it is difficult to imagine the autumn calendar of Olivia Centre events without it. The effort put into the preparations and the enormity of emotions were emphasized by the teams involved in creating the event. The ovations of the participants and positive opinions confirmed that it was worth it – even if the pace of preparations until the last moment resembled a long-distance run.

 

Martyna Czarnobaj-Borowska and Karolina Rymarczyk were responsible for the concept and production of LeadWell, with the great support of the experienced O4 team. The course of the event was also supervised by Marta Moksa – the host and one of the ambassadors of the idea of “leaders who like people”.

 

The atmosphere of the event is best summed up by the words of one of the participants, who described LeadWell as “bigos with chocolate” – an unobvious combination of strong emotions, insightful reflection and specific knowledge. A connection that lasts a long time.

 

The LeadWell conference will return in 2026!

 

Fig. Aleksandra Brzeska