4 Design Days in Katowice — a barometer of Polish architecture and design
If MIPIM is a window onto the world, then 4 Design Days is the annual gathering of the entire Polish industry in one place. In 2026 the event reaches a symbolic moment — its anniversary tenth edition, which will take place on 22–23 January 2026 at the International Congress Centre in Katowice.
What 4 Design Days is
4DD is a festival, trade fair and conference in one. The organiser, the PTWP Group (publisher of propertydesign.pl, among others), builds the programme around debates, presentations and an exhibition zone. The format brings together professionals — architects, interior designers, developers — and individual visitors. This B2B/B2C hybrid translates into attendance counted in the tens of thousands of visitors.
The 2026 edition: scale and themes
The programme announces more than 100 speakers representing architecture, design, business and technology, along with international guests. The special guest of this edition is set to be David Sim — a Scottish architect and urbanist, an expert in designing people-friendly cities (the "soft city"). Thematically, the anniversary edition focuses on resilient architecture, the future of housing and the accessibility of good design.
Its role in the industry
It is here that the Property Design Awards are presented, and the event brings together product launches and networking that translates into contracts. For manufacturers it is a chance to connect with specifying designers; for developers, to observe trends. Katowice in January functions as the informal opening of the season in Polish architecture and design.
An editorial piece by Method Press based on public industry sources, market data and legal acts. Accurate as at the time of publication — data, regulations and dates may change.