Architecture competition "Construction Container Facelift" 1st prize winner - Saule Technologies

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the winner of the 1st prize of our “Construction Container Facelift” competition - Katarzyna Formela from Poland!

Katarzyna Formela from Poland

Katarzyna Formela is a Master of Science Engineer in Architecture and Civil Engineering. At Saule Technologies, she carried out her master thesis project to develop and implement BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) based on perovskite photovoltaic technology. Her previous work experience covers several architectural offices in France, Germany, Great Britain and Poland - with extensive and interdisciplinary involvement in international competitions and executive projects.

Saule Technologies is one of the first companies in the world working on the commercialization of perovskites in the new generation of photovoltaic cells, the most rapidly advancing and versatile solar technology to date. The company has pioneered the application of ink-jet printing for the fabrication of flexible, light-weight, semi-transparent and efficient perovskite solar modules. Currently, Saule Technologies is a team of 20 scientists from 10 countries working in one of the most advanced optoelectronics laboratories in Europe, to develop the most cost-competitive and versatile solar energy technology to date.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where company/ individuals have been involved?

Saule Technologies is involved in several national and international R&D projects working on the cheap, flexible, lightweight solar cells. The company is partnering with over a dozen partners from academia and industry, including construction companies ready to apply this novel technology. The first facades will be covered with Saule perovskite solar cells in 2018. Unfortunately, the details of the agreements cannot be disclosed at the moment - it is to be officially announced later this month. Saule will be the first company in the world to implement flexible, perovskite solar cells commercially into buildings.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

Architecture is a medicine of space. The role of an architect in every society is to be its psychologist, who heals by improving the environment in which we all live in a sustainable manner. In the near future, I would like to give a portion of my time to the greater good, humanitarian volunteering to help those who would not be able to afford architectural services otherwise.

Why do you participate in architecture vision competitions?

Global competitions provide me with a brainstorming challenge to inspire creativity and offer a chance to find answers to real-life market requirements, offering a platform to showcase my innovative ideas.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture vision competitions?

The requirements encourage quality work to be done in a short timeframe, which serve as a valuable training regardless of the outcome. Achieving an award opens doors to new connections and possibilities, and in view of all of the above I can only strongly recommend the participation for every hesitating future applicant.