Can architecture make a real and lasting difference in the world? And is it possible to design responsibly without giving up ambition? Robert Konieczny of {tag:Studio} is not looking for simple answers, but he knows one thing: everything starts with attentiveness. Over the world, over the place, over yourself. This was the message from his lectures at the architecture departments of Gdansk University of Technology and Warsaw University of Technology, which gathered full rooms of male and female students and their male and female lecturers.
Fahrenheit courtyard at Gdansk University of Technology filled to capacity
Photo by Aleksandra Skorupa
a personal story with architecture in the background
On May 4 at the Faculty of Architecture of Gdansk University of Technology and on May 5 at the Faculty of Architecture of Warsaw University of Technology , male and female students met with Robert Konieczny of KWK Promes studio, one of Poland's most recognized architects. He began his story with his difficult adolescence and youthful rebellion, which he transformed into creative action.
I want to race against the world! - said the architect, emphasizing thatfrom the beginning of his career he was interested in healthy competition.
Robert Konieczny during a lecture at Gdansk University of Technology
Photo: Aleksandra Skorupa
He showed that behind form and aesthetics there is a specific biography - and that good design starts not with a line, but with the question of why we put it there.
The architect also talked about hisprofessional path and recent projects. Among other things, we learned about the design history of the "Safe House", the "Ark" or the "Plato" gallery, as well as the "Aura" under construction in Poznan .
Gdansk University of Technology student with the new issue of A&B
Photo: Aleksandra Skorupa
conversation about the future
After the lectures it was time for questions. And they were not easy. Male and female students asked about real conflicts: how not to lose yourself in a clash with an investor? Where is the line between compromise and capitulation? Is it possible to be an architect and not be a cynic?
Sometimes you have to say no. Lose the project so you don't lose the point. But you have to know what is non-negotiable for you," answered Robert Konieczny.
A student at the Warsaw University of Technology during the discussion
Photo: Aleksandra Skorupa
He also spoke openly about mistakes, about rejected ideas, about failures, which sometimes teach more than successes.
There were also questions about technology: artificial intelligence, automation, the future of the profession. Here, too, his answer was clear: AI is just a tool. The question is: what will we use them for? If to copy the banal faster - we will lose. If to gain time for reflection - we will win.
Robert Konieczny signs his book at the Warsaw University of Technology
Photo: Aleksandra Skorupa
The meetings at the Gdansk University of Technology and the Warsaw University of Technology were held as part of the "Road to Profession" series aimed at supporting female architecture students in their conscious entry into professional life.
{AuthorAiB}
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Partners of the lectures were:
- Aliplast
- Bella Plast
- Domesta
- Dyson
- Dre
- Fakro
- Geberit
- Kaspersky
- Padilla
- Saint-Gobain Poland
- Woodeco
- Wood of Fire
The content partners of the lectures are:
- Faculty of Architecture, Gdansk University of Technology
- Faculty of Architecture, Warsaw University of Technology
Patronage:
- SARP Krakow Branch
