Museum of Emotions #6 competition Honorable mention winners - Aleksandra Zofia Forystek and Matjan Mataj

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our  "Museum of Emotions #6" competition – Aleksandra Zofia Forystek and Matjan Mataj from United States!

Matjan Mataj and Aleksandra Zofia Forystek 

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

My Aleks Forystek Studio in Chicago and Matjan's Dukant Atelier in Prishtina, Kosovo, operate independently, however, our paths have converged for this competition. Matjan and I both studied Architecture, but I continued with Interior Design, a discipline I'm now passionate about teaching. What truly brought us together, despite the distance, is the incredible overlap in our design philosophies. We share remarkably similar visions and conceptual ideas, making our contributions to projects feel cohesive and natural. We're both driven by a profound curiosity, always eager to explore new dimensions in architecture and push the boundaries of design. It's this shared passion for discovery and innovation that forms the bedrock of our collaboration.

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 the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Our experience spans a wide range of projects, from small-scale residential designs to large-scale commercial developments. We particularly enjoy engaging in conceptual work, as it keeps our creativity flowing and pushing design boundaries.

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

Architecture is both an art and a science, capable of evoking emotions through the spaces it creates. It encompasses everything around us, from small objects to large buildings and landscapes. Beyond merely solving functional problems, architectural solutions impact cultural identity, aesthetics, and environmental strategies. Our role as architects and designers is to construct environments that truly serve people and society, providing functional, sustainable, and often affordable spaces that meet community needs, and simultaneously, to envision and create new realms and spaces for people to explore and enjoy.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

We're driven by the desire to challenge design norms and unlock new creative opportunities, letting our imaginations lead us to truly captivating spaces and innovative design ideas. This competition offers an excellent platform to showcase those interests.

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

Our advice? Just go for it! Even if you don't win, you'll get the chance to really challenge yourself and create something truly unique, something you can show off to the world. Winning awards is fantastic, of course, but honestly, the journey itself is the real prize.