MANIFESTO
to Design is to Care
In an age of breathtaking change, we find ourselves revisiting what it means to Design. It's no longer just an art or a craft but a multilayered mix of understanding functionality, aesthetics, beauty and profound gesture of responsibility—a universal call to thoughtfulness that echoes throughout all dimensions of human effort. Echoing the sentiments of Dieter Rams' "Ten Principles for Good Design" and the Bauhaus Manifesto, we see design not merely as an aesthetic pursuit but as a holistic endeavour. It's a statement that can be summed up in one simple yet profound declaration: To Design is to Care.
Design manifests itself in multiple layers, from the physical to the emotional. Every object we design and create it emits the power of ideas it was made of, and subconsciously impacts our behaviour, emotions and well-being through the Design styles requirements and processes used in creation. It's in the ergonomic curvature of a chair, in the adaptability and responsiveness of our spaces, or in the sustainability of a building and the use of energy-efficient materials to sustainable waste management systems and throughout a product's lifecycle from its creation and transport to its use, and ideally, to its recycling and upcycling. True design excellence is only achieved when all these factors are considered during the process. In that sense, in-depth design process is an act of conscientious care.
I design because I care about well-being, style, understanding, environmental impact, economic implications, energy efficiency, scale, aesthetics, functionality, and beauty. All these elements are worth caring about, and we can improve each one of them through thoughtful design.
Beauty in Balance
Beauty isn't a superficial concern. It's a dialogue between form and function, aesthetics and utility—a harmonious blend that enhances our interaction with spaces and objects around us. While it's understood that beauty and proportion play a significant role in elevating our quality of life and impacting human behaviour and our well-being, it should also be already understood that beauty, aesthetics and style should not be the sole drivers of design decisions. Design will be beautiful, and beautifully in balance with the World only if we will include the World into each design process.
Beauty isn't a superficial concern. It's a dialogue between form and function, aesthetics and utility—a harmonious blend that enhances our interaction with spaces and objects around us. While it's understood that beauty and proportion play a significant role in elevating our quality of life and impacting human behaviour and our well-being, it should also be already understood that beauty, aesthetics and style should not be the sole drivers of design decisions. Design will be beautiful, and beautifully in balance with the World only if we will include the World into each design process.
Sustainability is non-negotiable
In this era of environmental crisis, sustainability is not just a nice-to-have feature but a non-negotiable commitment. It is very important that all designs will include energy-saving strategies, environmentally friendly, as much as possible, production of materials, transportation and construction solutions, but we should not forget about the complete life-cycle of materials and the reuse, recycle and upcycle in terms of the whole buildings, which is the greatest challenge at the moment, and which could be foreseen in the design process. This approach is a birth to a new genre of buildings, structures or spaces more or less enclosed, that will be responsive to both human needs and environmental conditions. Responsive Architecture. An ultimate natural automatic adaptiveness. Designs that include all species with which we share this planet, our Home. In simple terms, we need to create designs that minimize waste, facilitate reuse, and incorporate energy-efficient practices, but we also must make space for other species in a way that all Earthlings can coexist harmoniously.
In this era of environmental crisis, sustainability is not just a nice-to-have feature but a non-negotiable commitment. It is very important that all designs will include energy-saving strategies, environmentally friendly, as much as possible, production of materials, transportation and construction solutions, but we should not forget about the complete life-cycle of materials and the reuse, recycle and upcycle in terms of the whole buildings, which is the greatest challenge at the moment, and which could be foreseen in the design process. This approach is a birth to a new genre of buildings, structures or spaces more or less enclosed, that will be responsive to both human needs and environmental conditions. Responsive Architecture. An ultimate natural automatic adaptiveness. Designs that include all species with which we share this planet, our Home. In simple terms, we need to create designs that minimize waste, facilitate reuse, and incorporate energy-efficient practices, but we also must make space for other species in a way that all Earthlings can coexist harmoniously.
Functionality and Human Scale
And what of functionality? It’s not a cold, mechanical term. It's a human scale—it's our scale. It's the tailored fit of a glove, the welcoming embrace of a room, the intuitive flow of all things. Design should serve us all; humans, and all other species to keep our world in balance. Only such an approach will be truly functional through ultimate sustainability.
And what of functionality? It’s not a cold, mechanical term. It's a human scale—it's our scale. It's the tailored fit of a glove, the welcoming embrace of a room, the intuitive flow of all things. Design should serve us all; humans, and all other species to keep our world in balance. Only such an approach will be truly functional through ultimate sustainability.
But let’s not forget inclusivity. The future is diverse, and our designs must reflect that. We are designing not just for the individual but for the community, for humanity in its splendid diversity. One size never fits all.
Wisdom of the Ages
Even the most futuristic-oriented designers should never forget the rich tapestry of wisdom that tradition offers. The greatest designs are those that reconcile the time-tested with the cutting-edge, capturing a synergy between the two. Technology is not a replacement but a tool that complements the architectural and design wisdom of ages past. Balance is the key and new, cutting-edge technologies are just a tool technology, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Always aim to a blend of the time-tested and the revolutionary
Even the most futuristic-oriented designers should never forget the rich tapestry of wisdom that tradition offers. The greatest designs are those that reconcile the time-tested with the cutting-edge, capturing a synergy between the two. Technology is not a replacement but a tool that complements the architectural and design wisdom of ages past. Balance is the key and new, cutting-edge technologies are just a tool technology, pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Always aim to a blend of the time-tested and the revolutionary
Responsive Environments/Architecture
The dynamism of our world calls for an evolution in how we approach architectural designs. Enter Responsive Environments: spaces that not only serve but react. They move beyond the static, offering a symphony of interactions between humans and their surroundings. These environments understand our needs, moods, and behaviors, adapting in real-time to offer an unparalleled harmony. It's architecture that breathes, flexes, and evolves. It's not just about structures made of bricks and mortar; it's about fluidic spaces that align seamlessly with our ever-changing lives, responding to light, temperature, and human presence. In essence, it's architecture that feels, understands, and cares.
The dynamism of our world calls for an evolution in how we approach architectural designs. Enter Responsive Environments: spaces that not only serve but react. They move beyond the static, offering a symphony of interactions between humans and their surroundings. These environments understand our needs, moods, and behaviors, adapting in real-time to offer an unparalleled harmony. It's architecture that breathes, flexes, and evolves. It's not just about structures made of bricks and mortar; it's about fluidic spaces that align seamlessly with our ever-changing lives, responding to light, temperature, and human presence. In essence, it's architecture that feels, understands, and cares.
Media Architecture
In the age of ubiquitous digital connection, Media Architecture emerges as a crucial bridge between the tangible and the virtual. It marries design with dynamic digital interfaces, transforming static facades into living canvases that communicate, entertain, and inform. These aren't mere buildings; they are narratives in motion, turning urban landscapes into interactive playgrounds. Through projections, digital displays, and intelligent systems, structures become storytellers, reflecting cultural narratives, communal thoughts, or even real-time data. This synthesis of design and technology offers a kaleidoscope of possibilities, fostering community engagements and turning passive observers into active participants. It's a celebration of the digital age, woven intricately into the fabric of our built environment.
In the age of ubiquitous digital connection, Media Architecture emerges as a crucial bridge between the tangible and the virtual. It marries design with dynamic digital interfaces, transforming static facades into living canvases that communicate, entertain, and inform. These aren't mere buildings; they are narratives in motion, turning urban landscapes into interactive playgrounds. Through projections, digital displays, and intelligent systems, structures become storytellers, reflecting cultural narratives, communal thoughts, or even real-time data. This synthesis of design and technology offers a kaleidoscope of possibilities, fostering community engagements and turning passive observers into active participants. It's a celebration of the digital age, woven intricately into the fabric of our built environment.
Conclusion: A Dynamic Holistic Approach
From my perspective as an Architect and Designer, design is not just about constructing walls but about understanding the living, breathing space between them. It's about creating environments that adapt and respond, that move with the ebb and flow of human presence and technological advancements. We're no longer limited to the tangible. It's a delicate dance—a nuanced choreography of spatial layout that accommodates our unique individuality while nurturing our collective soul. Our future. It is our roadmap for a better tomorrow. Whether we're designing a house or a city, a gadget or a community space, communal spaces, museums, schools, or exhibitions, the ethos remains clear: our designs should be as dynamic, responsive, and caring as the lives they shelter and inspire.
From my perspective as an Architect and Designer, design is not just about constructing walls but about understanding the living, breathing space between them. It's about creating environments that adapt and respond, that move with the ebb and flow of human presence and technological advancements. We're no longer limited to the tangible. It's a delicate dance—a nuanced choreography of spatial layout that accommodates our unique individuality while nurturing our collective soul. Our future. It is our roadmap for a better tomorrow. Whether we're designing a house or a city, a gadget or a community space, communal spaces, museums, schools, or exhibitions, the ethos remains clear: our designs should be as dynamic, responsive, and caring as the lives they shelter and inspire.
And so, with this evolving vision and a commitment to innovation, let these words resonate through our work:
To Design is to Care
Jacek Rzepka JACA
