"10 Questions to..." is a series of short interviews with architects and female architects, to whom we address the same pool of questions. For today's mini-interview, we invited Artur Szczepaniak and Pawel Szczepaniak, co-founders and designers from the AP Szczepaniak studio in Wroclaw.
Artur Szczepaniak graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at Wroclaw University of Technology. Co-founder and lead designer at the AP Szczepaniak architectural office, a studio that has been recognized with awards from the Mayor of Wroclaw and the European Property Awards, among others.
1 Architecture in three words...?
Pleasure (in) a developed space.
I love spending time in a well-developed urban space.
2. The three most important buildings for you...?
The Notre Dame du Haut chapel designed by the brilliant Le Corbusier, towering over the town of Ronchamp, France. To this day, it still impresses me the most. I also count among my top three the CaixaForum in Madrid (design: Herzog & de Meuron) and the Oslo Opera House (design: Snøhetta).
3. most important book on architecture...?
Recently - "The happy city" by Charles Montgomery and "Modern movement in architecture" by Charles Jencks. When there was no Internet - Taschen publishers on architecture.
4. most inspiring city and why...?
Valencia. Once a river flowed through the city, the course of which was changed. Over time, its bed was developed into recreational areas - a total revelation.
5. architect with whom you would like to design something and why...?
Bjarke Ingels, because he has broadened my horizons the most.
6. hand-drawing or computer drawing?
Hand-drawn, because I like fine art. I have always loved it.
7. Mock-up or 3D model?
3D model, because I can see the building from every perspective.
8. modernism or postmodernism?
Modernism, because of a certain economy of form.
9. Work after hours or sports?
Sports. Currently: biking, skiing, sailing. In the past: badminton.
10. architecture or business?
Both. They cannot currently exist without each other.
Pawel Szczepaniak graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at Wroclaw University of Technology. Co-founder, CEO and chief designer at AP Szczepaniak studio in Wroclaw.
1 Architecture in three words...?
Architect, building, audience. In other words: idea, time, space.
Architecture is the architect and his idea (building) in time, light (climate) and space, as well as the recipients of this idea.
2: The three most important buildings for you...?
Always the ones we are working on.
3. most important book on architecture...?
"The happy city" by Charles Montgomery.
4. Most inspiring city and why...?
Vancouver, Canada. Beautifully located on the ocean, river and surrounded by mountains. It is a city full of greenery and water. In its neighborhoods, business and residential functions mix, large and small scale coexist perfectly. The successful revitalization of industrial districts there is a delight. Vancouver is a multiculturalism of friendly and open-minded residents.
5. architect you would like to design something with and why...?
Bjarke Ingels of BIG, for breaking the existing status quo in architecture.
6. hand-drawn or computer drawing?
Hand-drawn. It is a record of thoughts that verifies the first ideas. The computer is just a tool.
7. Mock-up or 3D model?
Mock-up because it stimulates the imagination.
8. modernism or postmodernism?
Modernism and postmodernism. Both trends are inspiring.
9. Work after hours or sports?
Sports. Running, because you can do it anywhere, you don't have to look at anyone or anything.
10. architecture or business?
Architecture and business. As the president of the studio, I know this very well.
Artur Szczepaniak and Pawel Szczepaniak have been designing together since 1999. You can find the architects' projects in the studio's tab on our portal.
