"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-interview , Mateusz Górnik of Gornik Architects talked about his favorite cities, an inspiring book and who he would like to create a design dream team with.
Mateusz Górnik - a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning at Wroclaw University of Technology, where he also completed postgraduate studies in Project Management in 2005. Since 2009, together with Magdalena Górnik, he has been running his own architectural studio GORNIK ARCHITECTS. He gained professional experience in offices in Italy, Ireland and Scotland. This year he was included in the list of forty promising young European designers before the age of forty - 40 Under 40®.
1. architecture in three words...?
a. Vision.
b. The idea.
c. Form.
2. the three most important buildings for you...?
a. RATP Bus Center in Thiais, proj.: ECDM.
b. Percy Lane Mews, proj.: ODOS architects.
c. DC2 Residence in Tielrode, proj.: Vincent Van Duysen.
3. the most important book on architecture...?
"B for Bauhaus" by Deyan Sudjic. A remarkable book that is impossible to put on the shelf. The author with a typically English sense of humor ponders the issues surrounding the creations of modernity. He tries to resolve what is an original and what is a fake, and why imperfect objects can be more valuable than their perfectly polished counterparts. On a daily basis we do not think about this...this book makes us think. It is inquisitive and self-ironic. I recommend :)
4. most inspiring city and why...?
All the cities I have visited so far have their own unique atmosphere - from Krakow to Petra. Everywhere I have felt fascinated by the architecture, local cuisine, with curiosity to discover local attractions, going off the tourist trails. Such moments and encounters with the spirit of cities inspire, drive, motivate exploration. Breakfast at a café overlooking Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, lunch at an atmospheric tavern in Burma, an evening stroll through Portobello - such moments are unforgettable, they form a series of events, feelings and memories.sequence of events, feelings, memories - this builds awareness that we are part of a beautiful world, and as an architect, in addition to drawing from it, I can also enrich it in some way with my designs.
5. architect with whom you would like to design something and why...?
I observe many inspiring architects, both from Poland and the world. It is fascinating how the work of each of them is unique and special. They draw from different cultures, regions, traditions and that is beautiful. I really like Vincent Van Duysen's designs for their detail and consistent creative thought. In my Silesian architectural backyard, I have been watching the creators of medusa group for years. I am inspired by their approach to themes, momentum, and at the same time minimalism of forms with which they refer to the austerity and tradition of the region. Diversity of projects and openness - this is what unites us, and that's why I think we would create a design dream team:)
6. hand drawing or computer drawing?
Hand-drawing always comes to me at the stage of concept development. Usually there are quite a few of these drawings before the solid approaches the ideal shape, before it meets the vision I have at the beginning. The form evolves - hand-drawing gives me freedom, I can transfer my ideas to paper at any time and then refine them. Today's market forces us, in a way, to use technology when a project is further advanced. Customers like to see computer visualizations, it helps them decide whether to make changes or approve the project if it coincides with their ideas.
7. mockup or 3D model?
Here we have a similar situation as above, except that a mockup is much more labor-intensive. I would venture to say that the 3D model is necessary precisely at the stage of visualizing the effect for the client. A mockup in this case cannot be modified so easily and quickly. I like mockups, but nowadays they can rather serve as a commemoration of flagship realizations, such an icing on the cake, an element of the architect's studio decor.
8. modernism or postmodernism?
I agree with modernist less is more, but I am closer to postmodernism and the assumptions of architecture that fits into the context of the place and refers to historical traditions. I believe that drawing on the heritage of the ancestors, reference to regionalism and local values enriches contemporary projects. It is impossible to create a modern world without foundations based on elements of the past.
9. working after hours or sports?
The onslaught of work in recent weeks doesn't leave much time for sports, but whenever I can, I drop by the pool, ride my bike or go for a run. Let's not kid ourselves, long hours spent at the computer are not good for the spine. I try to find a balance and take care of my form, because this then translates directly into quality of life and effective work.
10 - Architecture or business?
Architecture and business would be a perfect combination :) And they do not always go hand in hand. Valuable architecture does not necessarily mean good business - it depends on the investor, his confidence in our workshop and understanding, especially at the stage of implementation. All the more happy are the projects, realized according to our assumptions, without arbitrary changes at the last minute. On the other hand, the trend of developing space for strictly business functions, taking away its aesthetic value, creating buildings that simply fill vacant spaces in the city plan, is alarming. Fortunately, there is a growing awareness and need for good forms and shapes in urban jungles. With reference to tradition and in dialogue with modernity. This gives hope and optimism.
If you have suggestions for questions you would like us to ask, or people of architects whose answers to these questions you would like to know - let us know in the comments.
