Article from A&B issue 05|2023
How to shape good residential architecture?
Port Drzewny—Torun | proj.: Sobociński Architekci
visualizations: © Sobocinski Architekci
Residential architecture is the stage of our everyday life, on which our lives are played out. It accounts for most of the development we encounter on a daily basis. It shapes the places where we find ourselves most often, dresses them in forms, colors, details. It influences how we perceive a space, whether we find it welcoming or, on the contrary, discouraging to explore it. It shapes this space both on the scale we see from the windows of cars, moving at a fast pace, and on the one we directly touch, functioning within our building, neighborhood, district. Therefore, the most important feature of it—in my opinion—should be its utilitarianism. Good architecture should first of all be based on correct functional solutions of the designed space. To be created in such a way as to be able to meet the needs of many recipients, each of whom may have different requirements. Visually it should be attractive, but at the same time avoid unnecessary controversy or shouting. I think that the search for the architectural character of the designed buildings should be a product of what we call the architect's own design language, and the context of the place, the surrounding development, with which the new building must correspond.
Port Drzewny—Torun | proj.: Sobociński Architekci
visualizations: © Sobocinski Architekci
It seems that all this does not leave much room for experimentation. However, one can be tempted to do so in the details after all. It very strongly influences the unique character of the designed development, with which residents can identify.
The residential units themselves, necessarily shaped universally at the stage of building design, are only a starting point, a white canvas for future residents. A means to achieve the optimal functioning space for everyone every day.
Port Drzewny—Torun | proj.: Sobociński Architekci
visualizations: © Sobociński Architekci
Piotr Sobociński
Sobocinski Architekci, president of SARP Branch of Toruń.
