Credo

Architecture

 

Architecture is a multidimensional, structured creation, engendered to the rhythm and harmony of human senses, shaped

by the architect’s expertise, experience and socio-cultural background, and located in a specific place on earth.

What I believe in is that the body of architecture is born in dance and, has a regular, rhythmic heartbeat echoing the architect’s sense of proportion.

This definition of architecture I pass on to my younger colleagues.

 

If we talk Architecture, there is no such thing as typical or universal projects. Typicality and universality characterise construction industry. Which is not to say that I regard my involvement in the industrial design as insignificant. On the contrary, it was a different, yet a very instructive experience.

 

Decorating and interior design

 

Light, colour, smell, some object or a shape attracting attention – all of these can become an inspiration for designing an architectural form or shell. They sink deep into me and watch me while I am working on a project to fully surface in the last stage of designing – in the phase of detail.

 

Constructing architectural models

 

Architectural model – a tangible, three-dimensional projection of the architect’s vision propelled by the client’s intangible, three-dimensional dream of building an edifice. When ready, the model becomes a bridge between ‘now’ and ‘later’, or a communicative channel that enables the architect to accessibly explain to his client what he can envisage in so far an empty space.

 

Heritage preservation

 

It is my strong belief that the architect’s operation on the body of historic buildings and conservation areas should be preceded by his taking the Hippocratic Oath.

 

Art, architecture and music

 

Architecture belongs to Fine Arts inseparably and harmoniously linked with the environment.

My preliminary projects are always hand drawn.  A pencil, a charcoal or a paintbrush activate my senses, and this is how I connect with the environment that I intend to alter.

Most of my initial drawings resemble abstract art more than the architect-engineer’s projects. However this is how I search for and consequently find appropriate lines and forms.

 

Music helps me to gain balance: jazz accompanies my writing of Byzantine icons, Gregorian Chorales resound when I am working on models – a child’s play, after all – and African rhythms facilitate my planning and designing housing estates.

 

Zofia Gruszewska