Metropolis was born exclusively as an architectural practice - but has now evolved into a full-fledged brand development studio. Focusing on parametric design and progressive architecture.
At what point did you decide you wanted a career in architecture & design?
My passion for architecture and design began early in my youth. It was a gradual revelation—seeing structures that sparked my imagination and understanding the potential of spaces to inspire emotions and creativity. This realization guided me toward the pursuit of a career in architecture and design.
Is there a specific moment or building that inspired you?
The beauty of diverse architectural styles and the fusion between historic structures and modern designs has always fascinated me. Witnessing the impact that buildings have on communities and culture has been a driving force in inspiring my career in architecture and design.
Growing up in Iași, a city rich in architectural heritage and diverse cultural influences, I was inspired by the blend of historical buildings and modern structures. Witnessing the beauty and cultural resonance of the city's architecture ignited my passion for the field. The fusion of styles and the tales each building whispered inspired me to seek a career in architecture, aiming to craft spaces that merge history and innovation.
Throughout my student life, I've been fortunate enough to receive various scholarships, affording me the chance to travel extensively and pursue studies abroad. These experiences in various cultures and architectural landscapes have significantly contributed to shaping my perspective and passion for innovative design.
Having studied scenography, I initially delved into the realms of set and spatial design. However, my true calling was found in the intricate beauty of architecture. There wasn't a singular defining moment or building that sparked this passion; it was a gradual realisation that Architecture felt like the perfect canvas to fuse my creative storytelling from scenography
with the structural mastery inherent in designing spaces. This harmonious blend of imagination and technical precision became my primary inspiration, leading me back to my initial love—architecture.
Tell us a bit about your studies: what you enjoyed, your experience, and how you knew you were on the right path?
In the initial stages, my journey was largely guided by intuition. Undoubtedly, doubts surfaced along the way, serving as a reaffirmation that I was indeed on the correct path. Commencing my academic pursuits at the Faculty of Architecture in Iași, I later transferred to the Technical University of Karlsruhe in my third year. Upon completion, I found myself at
a crossroads, returning to Romania with aspirations to pursue my prepared ambitions in architecture. However, the nascent state of the architectural market and its limited opportunities proved challenging, preventing me from finding my niche at home. While academia beckoned, I felt that I was too young and driven for such a trajectory.
Despite initial disappointments, I redirected my focus to my second passion—film. Successfully passing the entrance exam at the Film and Television Academy in Munich, I immersed myself in production design. This led to several years of collaboration within the film industry, contributing to various international productions. I also spent a fruitful period working with the National Television for approximately two years.
Yet, a gravitational pull towards architecture, my primary passion, persisted. Sensing a maturation in the market, I returned to my roots when the timing felt right. Reflecting on my journey, it is now evident that I am unequivocally aligned with my true calling. The confluence of experiences has cemented my conviction that I am precisely where I am meant to be, fully dedicated to the pursuit of architecture.But pursuing a master's degree in Production Design at the prestigious Academy for film and television Munich was a pivotal shift. This program didn't just equip me with technical expertise but also introduced a realm where design meets media and storytelling. It expanded my creative horizons, exposing me to a spectrum of innovative applications across various media and architectural formats. Now in my architectural projects you can feel the strong influence from the film, the light, and the atmosphere. You can feel the cinematic experience to most of the projects that I am involved.
What architecture has inspired you historically - and what inspires you today?
Throughout my career, my enduring passion for architecture has been significantly shaped by the organic grace and fluidity inherent in wooden structures. The seamless fusion of nature's elements and the innate beauty of wood in its diverse forms continues to serve as a profound wellspring of inspiration, sparking innovative concepts and designs. Moreover, my enthusiasm for parametric architecture has remained a steadfast influence, propelling me toward
groundbreaking and adaptive design frameworks that redefine spatial experiences.
What was your first professional project? Can you tell us a bit about it?
Embarking on my professional design journey, I initially delved into the realm of product design before seamlessly transitioning into the creation of innovative spaces within the hospitality sector and beyond. Each project I undertake evolves into a distinctive experience,a unique interpretation of design. With a foundation in scenography, I've unlocked the potential for a captivating interplay of light and space, akin to crafting a cinematic experience. In my approach, light and music transcend mere elements; they emerge as protagonists in the theatre of design. They complement the shadows of the past, transforming spaces into new actors on the stage, making lighting an indispensable force in shaping environments.
My inaugural project, the ROOMS resto-club, exemplifies this philosophy. Here, the subtle interplay of lights and music unfolded into an immersive experience. Each room within the establishment was envisioned as a distinct encounter, mirroring the way frames form sequences in film. It transcended conventional aesthetics, resonating as a fusion of light and textures, proving that spaces can surpass their simple settings.
The venue operates as a cohesive whole, precisely due to the diversity inherent in each room. Every space serves as an individual experience, deeply resonating with each participant. In this unique setting, everyone discovers their place within one of the rooms. Shortly after its opening, the establishment gained immense popularity, becoming the project that propelled us into the Horeca industry.
Follow Metropolis on Instagram to find out more about their projects: @metropolis_architecture
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