The Architect's Chair / Edition #1 Honorable mention winner - Ariel Śliwiński

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winner of our The Architect's Chair / Edition #1 competition – Ariel Śliwiński from Poland!

Ariel Franciszek ŚliwiŃski

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.

The starting point for my projects is always an attempt to identify a specific need. The resulting idea is merely a response and solution to the problem, to which I dedicate a significant portion of the entire design process. The ability to observe and capture dependencies and relationships between humans and objects is of utmost importance to me in the broad sense of design.

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 am a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts (ASP) in Gdańsk, currently working on my doctoral thesis closely related to researching ecological aspects in furniture design. Professionally, I work as a furniture and industrial designer and serve as the founder of Ariel Śliwiński Studio. Additionally, I lead a furniture design workshop in the Interior Architecture Department at the University of Technology in Bydgoszcz, where I collaborate with students to analyze contemporary user needs and develop projects to address them. During my studies, I initiated collaborations with the furniture industry. Currently, apart from my teaching work, I am the creator and chief designer of the TFORY brand. I have designed and implemented a series of furniture designs, which have been showcased multiple times at international trade fairs.

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

Architecture signifies immense responsibility to me. Few endeavors at the intersection of art and engineering endure as long as architecture does, and it impacts a vast number of people. Consequently, besides understanding the creation of buildings and urban spaces, an architect must also comprehend the nature of their future users.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

I highly appreciate designers who strive to push the boundaries of possibilities and go beyond what is already known. In our daily professional work, we may not always have the opportunity for such exploration, which doesn't necessarily positively impact our development. However, design competitions provide an ideal opportunity to explore new concepts and create something truly unconventional.

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

In the worst-case scenario, participation in a design competition will serve as another valuable lesson for you; in the best case, you will have the opportunity to share your idea with the world.