Pavilion Of Humanity: First Contact 2nd prize winner - Matej Gurka

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the 2nd and Sustainability prize winner of our "Pavilion Of Humanity: First Contact / Edition #2" competition – Matej Gurka from Slovakia!

Matej Gurka

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.

I studied in Prague and Košice, and I have worked for a few architectural companies. Currently, I am finishing my last year of studies and working on my own, primarily focusing on small-scale architecture such as family houses, renovations, and interiors.

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?

I worked on small-scale projects such as apartments and family houses, as well as larger projects like industrial and office buildings in cooperation with Ing. arch. Michal Jura in Prešov, Slovakia. My university consultants for this project were Ing. akad. arch Karol Gregor, the chief interior designer of the Jonas Zaborsky theater in Prešov, the author of the Slovak National Bank in Košice, and the University Library in Košice, as well as Ing. arch. Andrea Bočková, ArtD., who also has multiple realizations in Slovakia.

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

Architecture in my opinion is about transforming a strong idea into the form or structure. Architects should be perceptive to society needs and try to create a     complex and sustainable spaces for everyday life.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

It is a good opportunity to express yourself freely.

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

Do not be afraid and try it.