About the Architect's Workshop

Konior Studio - Katowice, Poland

An article in translation from ArchiVolta Magazine

Konior Studio is Tomasz Konior?s architectural studio in Katowice, Poland. A team of architects a few years out of architectural school, with project experience, works there. The studio is equipped with high technology: computers in addition to traditional architectural tools give the architect new and exciting creative options.

ArchiVolta: We know that your office is using ArchiCAD. What made you choose this software?

Tomasz Konior: We analyzed the market carefully to find a program that could grow with the firm: a proper service with regular upgrades, and a rich library, including various applications. We took into consideration the single building model approach where working from a single database, changes to one aspect of the project are automatically reflected throughout the entire building. Also my fellow architects? existing knowledge and experience in using the program influenced the decision to use ArchiCAD.

AV: For all studio directors, time to recover costs is a consideration in the purchase and implementation of a program. What is your experience with this for ArchiCAD?

T.K.: I don?t think this way, but think instead about project quality: a company?s profitability depends on the quality of the architecture it can deliver with the tools available. I am making long-term plans and the costs of studio equipment are necessary to ensure proper work conditions. The best equipment, however will never replace creative thinking. Having a good work team is the most important; mine includes such architectural talents as Jakub Wolnicki, Tomaz Danielec, Piotr Anisko, and Artur Zontek with whom I created the presented projects.

AV: How long did it take to implement ArchiCAD at your firm? Were there any problems during the process?

T.K.: A good product is easily implemented without any complications. A specialist came over, who installed the program and trained the staff; it all took only a few hours. All of my partners had already worked before with the program so it was very straightforward. Later on the sales representative visited us a couple of times to help with some minor details.

AV: Do you employ a special person to take care of the software ? to keep the file archives, etc. ? or do you manage this on your own?

T.K.: Each colleague is an independent architect. Although we are introducing some organizational changes in the studio, it is still the architect and not the computer who is responsible for the project. If there are a couple of architects working on one project, then it is the responsibility of the project leader to archive and protect data. There is of course a computer specialist who sees that the software is properly functioning at all times and who solves any technical problems as needed.

AV: Are the people involved in the creative design of the project working on computers or is there a division between those who are responsible for the design and drawing of the project and those who put it in the computer? I am not asking whether you no longer use pencils, but whether the same person creates the architectural design and uses the computer?

T.K: For a creative architect, a computer with good software is an efficient tool, but still only a tool. This is not to underestimate the role of equipment; much shorter work time for example, especially during design projects is considerable. It is the thought expressed by a few lines on a piece of paper that is often decisive. This kind of sketch often ignites discussion and brainstorming. Working with sketching paper, some crayons, anything that we find, I love how such feelings can affect the creative process. Models are irreplaceable in the first phase, even the most basic ones made of simple materials. They are the best way to check the idea. The computer work begins in the phase where centimeters are important, when everything has to fit.

AV: Does the software you use impose any creative limits?

T.K.: Sometimes we design structures with bent platforms, curvilinear constructions, deformations, etc. This is why modeling features are so important to us. It would be useful to have an ArchiCAD-compatible program for this purpose.

AV: How do you work with consultants and other branches of the industry? Do you exchange designs electronically with them or do they still require projects on paper? Is an architect working on a computer more expensive than one using traditional methods?

T.K.: The costs concerned with the project execution rarely have anything to do with the quality and don?t depend on the manner of preparation. More and more often we transfer project information digitally. We are only a step away from sending whole projects through email, which would be immensely useful. I sometimes work with designers who are 300-400km away ? the Internet is irreplaceable for such work. We recently worked on a project between Katowice and Warsaw. We came up with some solutions ideas, sent it by email to Warsaw, and got back a completed version from them ? it works perfectly!

AV: Has the use of computers in your studio brought some new added value to your projects as a product? By this I mean, is the project documentation the same or are there new aspects added to it (e.g. computer animation)?

T.K.: We are visually more efficient and all of the projects have a tested plastic design. It has become a standard to add either a projection of the building or an interior visualization, especially during the conceptual phase. Of course the speed and quality of adding changes is incomparable.

AV: What is the most important advice you have for those planning to implement CAD? Let?s leave aside hardware issues, and focus on software evaluation. What are the key software qualities one should consider? Without using specific program names, what kinds of software are to be avoided?

T.K.: Even the best equipment cannot replace a thinking architect, the creative work, and constant research. However, a good knowledge of using computer tools definitely augments the visual quality of the project. ArchiCAD is easy to learn, and the virtual model yields dramatic results from an early stage. The quality naturally depends on its creator, his knowledge and imagination. Development means more than tools.

AV: Are you satisfied with the software you are using? What are its qualities and what does it lack?

T.K.: Though the program has many outstanding features, I do see some areas for further improvement. The regular introduction of the new versions of the software, the integrated 3D model with 2D design, thanks to the PlotMaker program the option to put different types of pictures together in various ways, and the parameters of your own library elements are all well appreciated features. I would like to see some improvement in special modeling capabilities especially the curvilinear forming of masses and various deformations. I am also concerned with the high strain on the operating system while working on complex objects.