Future Forms From Heritage
Magdalena Federowicz-Boule
President and Creative Director of Tremend Architecture
Considering global changes and looking ahead, how do you foresee architecture evolving to respond to these changes?
The architecture of the future must be, above all, flexible, sustainable, and user-oriented. In the face of climate change, urbanisation, and technological progress, it will be essential to design buildings that not only minimise their environmental impact but also adapt to new challenges. Smart building management systems, circular economy principles, and modular designs will help architecture keep pace with global changes. It will also be crucial to create designs that are fully human-centred; focusing on user needs, comfort, and interaction with space.
How do you approach designing spaces that can adapt and stay ahead of evolving urban landscapes and environmental challenges? What role do you envision for Tremend in shaping that future?
Our projects are based on openness to change and multifunctionality. We aim to design buildings that can be easily adapted to new functions through flexible spatial layouts and modern construction technologies. For Tremend, designing with the future in mind plays a key role; our concepts consider both user needs and the long-term impact on the environment. We approach each project individually, striving to find a unique process and key direction to create solutions that perfectly fit the context and expectations of users.
Given the rapid technological advancements, and how Tremend is known for its innovative approach, how do you integrate modern solutions into your designs without compromising the timeless quality of spaces?
At Tremend, innovation is not an end in itself but a tool for creating more comfortable, functional, and sustainable spaces. We use modern materials, smart building systems, and VR and BIM technologies, which optimise the design process and enhance collaboration with investors. At the same time, we ensure that our architecture remains harmonious, cohesive, and timeless; by integrating new technologies with classic design principles and drawing inspiration from the local context and tradition.
What would you say is the most pressing challenge the architecture and construction industry is facing today, and how can the industry rise to meet it?
The biggest challenge is reducing the environmental impact of construction. The industry generates massive amounts of waste and CO2 emissions, so implementing circular economy principles, using sustainable materials, and improving buildings’ energy efficiency is crucial. Another key challenge is spatial flexibility; we must design buildings that can evolve with user and societal needs. It is also essential to create structures that can be easily adapted to changing functions and expectations, avoiding costly renovations.
How does retrofitting inspire you differently than designing from scratch? When transforming older structures into modern, sustainable spaces, what key design elements guide your decisions?
Retrofitting is a dialogue with the past; every space has its own history, which we strive to preserve while enhancing it with modern elements. Respecting the context, ensuring functionality, and embracing sustainability are crucial in this process. Responsible design involves maximising the use of existing resources, which is both environmentally and economically beneficial. We focus on adaptive reuse of materials and integrating new technologies without compromising the character of the structure.
In projects like the “Metropolitan Station in Lublin,” how do you harmonise modern design with the historical context of the surroundings?
The Metropolitan Station in Lublin is an example of a project where modernity meets tradition. Our goal was to create a space that respects the city’s context while incorporating innovative transport and user solutions. By using natural materials, subtle detailing, and analysing historical urban layouts, we successfully integrated the project into the city’s fabric. Through an in-depth analysis of the site’s context and Lublin’s traditions, we drew inspiration from the Lublin cut-out patterns, which led us to design unique columns reflecting the local heritage and aesthetics. As a result, the station is not only a transportation hub but also an essential element of the urban space, responding to the needs of its residents.
https://tremend.pl
Integrated Intermodal Metropolitan Station “Best Public Service Architecture Poland, 2024-25”
Meininger Hotel Kraków Centrum “Best Hotel Interior Poland, 2024-25”
Royal Tulip Warsaw Apartments “Best Hotel Interior Poland, 2023-24”
Crown Plaza Warsaw – The Hub “Hotel Interior Poland, 2021-22”
