"10 Questions to..." is a series of short interviews with architects and female architects, to whom we address the same pool of questions. In today's installment of the mini-interviews, Aleksandra Wasilkowska answered our questions.
Aleksandra Wasilkowskagraduated from the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at the Warsaw University of Technology in 2003, and two years later she earned a diploma with honors from École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Bretagne. She gained professional experience in the Paris office of François Roche - R&Sie(n), and since 2007 has run her own architectural studio in Warsaw. In her work, she focuses on "shadow architecture" - revitalization of bazaars across Poland, public restroom projects, scenography, exhibitions and parks. Under her editorship, three volumes of publications have been published so far, entitled. "Architektura Cienia." Together with Agnieszka Kurant, Wasilkowska represented Poland at the 12th International Architecture Biennale in Venice with the installation "Emergency Exit".
1. architecture in three words...?
a. Synthesis of the arts.
b. Empathy.
c. Sublimation.
2. the three most important buildings for you...?
a. The Brion Family Tomb in San Vito di Altivole, proj.: Carlo Scarpa.
b. Les Espaces d'Abraxas residential complex in Marne La Vallee near Paris, proj.: Ricardo Bofill.
c. Bazaar Bakalarska - architecture without an architect, a cosmopolitan DIY kingdom.
3. the most important book on architecture...?
Yona Friedman's "Pro Domo" (a great lesson in architecture as an open form); China Miéville's "The City and the City" (a dystopian sci-fi story about parallel cities).
4. most inspiring city and why...?
I am inspired by the spatial niches and quirks I have found in the cities I have lived in: Paris (sophisticated and decadent), Warsaw (fresh and tasteless), Moscow (monumental and surreal), Seoul (post-internet). However, what inspires me most is not the city, but the countryside and a good dream.
5. architect with whom you would like to design something and why...?
François Roche - the most personable and perverse architect I have met on my path. He has a very interesting post-anthropocentricperspective.
6. hand drawing or computer drawing?
Drawing, all tools are beautiful.
7. mockup or 3D model?
Mock-up, 3D model, VR, 3D printer.
8. modernism or postmodernism?
New materialism and shadow architecture.
9. After-hours work or sports?
Sex.
10. architecture or business?
Art.
Listen to Luke Harat's conversation with Aleksandra Wasilkowska in the series Awakenings:
