The April issue of A&B is devoted to the conditions for practicing the architectural profession. On our portal, as part of a new series under the title "The profession of architect" we continue the conversation started on the pages of moodboard - we ask what it means today to be an architect and what are the conditions for practicing this profession, and we illustrate the statements with unrealised office projects. Read what Marek Wawrzyniak and Karol Wawrzyniak of the TOPROJEKT studio think on the subject.
Marek Wawrzyniak
Photo: Radosław Kazmierczak © TOPROJEKT
1 What does being an architect mean today?
We often forget that an architect, first of all, should represent solid craftsmanship. Without this necessary condition, the finest visions will fall in collision with reality. A craftsman one is, an artist one is. However, unlike other artistic activities, the architect's responsibility seems disproportionately greater. The decision to go to a concert or exhibition is made by the viewer individually. One is condemned to architecture.
In our time, in addition to the traditional knowledge of construction, materials and spatial relationships, the architect must have knowledge of increasingly complex systems of installation, control about the control of objects, economics, environmental protection, recycling, and, on the other hand, psychology or sociology. If even full knowledge in each of these subjects exceeds the individual's abilities, it is the architect's duty to know them at a level that allows dialogue and coordination between specialists from each of these disciplines.
2 What are the conditions for practicing architecture?
From the perspective of several decades of practicing the profession, I can say that two trends seem to be the most significant. Slowly, an increasing number of clients are looking for good architecture and are able to appreciate it. On the other hand, there is an exponential increase in the number of regulations and provisions that, thoughtlessly interpreted, seem to function for themselves and make it almost impossible to apply non-standard solutions.
Marek WAWRZYNIAK
TOPROJEKT
Karol Wawrzyniak
Photo: Radosław Kazmierczak © TOPROJEKT
1 What does being an architect mean today?
Many people can design a house. An architect must do it well.
In the process of finding the best solutions, sometimes there may be something more, some "added value". Sometimes.
An architect is someone who has a problem designing a house. He never succeeds in fully realizing his intentions, and yet he constantly feels a keen desire for architecture.
An architect is always at a loss, and yet he proceeds to struggle with the design theme. In this way he becomes better.
2 What are the conditions for practicing architecture?
Architecture is part of economic, social and cultural processes. It is what the country in which it is created is like.
There are procurers who appreciate the quality of architecture. There happen officials who help solve problems. There are times when contractors are creatively involved in the building process.
There are also other times.
Karol WAWRZYNIAK
TOPROJEKT
