Andrzej Kos PORTFOLIO

Hi, I’m Andrzej

I am an architect, illustrator and researcher.

I ran my own design studio. I worked at the university doing research work and teaching students. I ran an architectural drawing studio and created graphics illustrating fantastic worlds and the creatures that inhabit them. Architecture and drawing are my passions, which I managed to transfer to the field of professional work.

I use my imagination to create spaces, no matter if they are graphics depicting fantastic worlds or designs for buildings that will be realized, each project, each concept is an expression of my sensitivity to space, to the interactions that take place in it and to the stories it can tell.

The illustrations featured on some of the pages of my portfolio are an expression of my passion for drawing. They give me the opportunity to create fairy tale worlds and populate them with various creatures. Each of them tells its own story, usually more than one. I smuggle in hidden jokes and references to my favorite movies and books.

EDUCATION

2014

Obtained the degree of Master of Engineering in Architecture at Silesian University of Technology

EMPLOYMENT

2009 - 2022

Drawing school - own business

Teaching freehand drawing in preparation for architecture entrance exams

2014 - 2022

Design studio - own architecture studio

Designing residential architecture, adaptations of existing buildings for new functions, and urban design

2016 - 2021

Academic and research work at the Silesian University of Technology

Starting a doctoral thesis and writing articles for scientific journals on the architecture of the critical regionalism. Conducting own research and design classes with students

Mgr inż. arch. Andrzej Kos

Warschauerstr. 15 10243 Berlin mobile: +48 692 867 539 e-mail: andrzej.j.kos@gmail.com

PROGRAMS: Archicad Abisplan AutoCad Inventor Revit Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign Artlantis Lumion SketchUp Blender

LANGUAGES:

English - well spoken and written (C1) Polish - native speaker

Professional work

I ran my own design studio for 8 years. I was involved in the design of residential architecture, adaptations of existing buildings for new functions, and urban design.

I have dealt with projects of various scales. From interior design through projects of single-family houses and hotels, renovation of tenement houses in historic parts of the city, sports facilities, urban design of city squares and new housing estates.

I have been involved in projects from the initial concept stage, through the completion of design documentation to building permission.

A photo of the construction site. View from the west side

A photo of the construction site. View from the east side

A project of a single-family house on a forest plot, completed at the request of a young couple.

The aim of the project was to create a single-storey house with economical solutions, which at the same time would take advantage of the natural features of the plot. The plot is located by a small local road, and is directly bordered by woodland to the north and east.

In the project, the division into three parts was readable from the beginning: - garage, entrance zone, living zone - arranged successively from south to north.

Functional solutions assume the separation of the living and sleeping areas through the introduction of a fireplace wall, which in an unobtrusive way shields the private part of the house. The introduction of glazing, especially on the west, as well as on the south and east sides, opens up the inner space of the house to the surrounding woodland.

SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE project completed as part of professional work year 2022 location Olsztyn

View from the western side

kamień

kamień

ANDRZEJ KOS

B

rąbek

separacyjna mata strukturalna podkłąd płyt OSB 2,0 cm kontrłata drewniana 4x4 cm krokiew drewniana 8x18 cm izolacja termiczna układana między krokwiami wełna mineralna 16 cm ruszt pod płyty g-k/ izolacja termiczna wełna mineralna 6,0 cm paroizolacja poszycie płyt g-k 1,2 cm

MIESZKALNEGO JEDNORODZINNEGO

Z URZĄDZENIAMI BUDOWLANYMI

WOJ.MAZOWIECKIE,

B

PIASECZYŃSKI,

LESZNOWOLA M ZGORZAŁA, DZ

separacyjna

strukturalna podkłąd płyt OSB 2,0 cm kontrłata drewniana 4x4

177/26

drewniana 8x18

termiczna układana między krokwiami wełna mineralna

cm ruszt pod płyty g-k/ izolacja termiczna wełna mineralna 6,0 cm paroizolacja poszycie płyt g-k 1,2 cm

C płytki ceramiczne 2,0 cm wylewka betonowa 7,0 cm folia PVC Izolacja termiczna styropian XPS 10 cm papa asfaltowa izolacyjna

wykończeniowa płytki ceramiczne panele podłogowe 2, cm warstwa dociskowa wylewka cementowa 5,0 cm folia PVC Izolacja termiczna styropian EPS 5,0cm strop Akermana 22 0 cm tynk cem wap 2,0cm gładź gipsowa

warstwa wykończeniowa płytki ceramiczne panele podłogowe 2,0 cm warstwa dociskowa wylewka cementowa 5,0 cm folia PVC Izolacja termiczna styropian EPS 5,0cm strop Akermana 22 0 cm tynk cem wap 2,0cm gładź gipsowa

płytki ceramiczne 2,0 cm wylewka betonowa 7,0 cm folia PVC Izolacja

izolacyjna

nierozpuszczający polistyrenu Płyta fundamentowa

wyrównująca

łączona na zakład

B-B

The house stands on the site of a new suburban estate of single-family houses.

A-A cross section

The main premise of the project was to create a large, open-plan living room. A characteristic element of the design is the glazed facade, which is divided by a chimney clad in natural stone. The glazed gable wall connects to the terrace at ground level, emphasising the spacious character of the living area. The space is also enhanced by a mezzanine floor. The eastern and western façades are minimally glazed and close off from the direction of the most frequent winds.

The most difficult task at the design stage was to match the functional and spatial layout to the investor’s budget and wishes.

According to the assumptions made, the technical zone, bedroom and living room are on the ground floor, while the remaining rooms are on the upper floor.

Eastern facade

Southern facade

Competitions

Both in my professional and personal life I like challenges. Taking part in competitions tests my sensitivity, creativity and skills against strong competitors. I do every competition project with winning in mind. I enjoy the wins and I am not discouraged by the failures, trying to learn from them.

DOWNTOWN PASSAGE WITH THE NEW MARKET

1st place in the competition organised by the City Hall of Świętochłowice

Model made for a competition

a model of the designed urban layout made as part of the competition

Due to the efforts of the authorities of the city of Świętochłowice to preserve the monuments of the last preserved mine shafts, the industrial character of the place has been created, adapting them as dominants of the designed city centre.

Lowering the platform of the square gives the space a new formal and functional quality, exposing the existing culturally valuable objects. The designed solution includes the creation of a space rich in both commercial and service functions, as well as cultural and recreational ones.

The designed square has an open character. It does not constitute an obstacle to communication and in fact improves the functioning of the urban space.

Public toilet. Exterior view

Conceptual design of a public toilet at the Mogilskie Roundabout in Krakow - an important public transport transfer point. Its form fits in with the surroundings, taking into account the character and architectural style of the adjacent buildings. The toilet building rises from the pavement in the form of a slope (part of the building is sunk into the ground). Next to the toilet, there is a room for services such as a tourist information point combined with a press lounge.

The building is covered with a green roof. The public space is enhanced by the complementary function of the bus stop.

The design assumed a minimalist, economical use of space resulting from the function of the building and a clear layout of the interiors.

KOŁO competition for a public toilet design year 2012 location KRAKÓW

Public

Public

Academic research

After graduation, I was offered the opportunity to continue my research at the university as part of doctoral studies. The research conducted as part of my student projects and the methodology I adopted laid the groundwork for my doctoral dissertation. As part of my academic career, I wrote articles for scientific journals, conducted classes with students and participated in scientific conferences.

Spatial layout of the south-eastern part of Choroń. Well-preserved traditional limestone buildings picturesquely inscribed in the landscape. One of the last such well-preserved sites in Polish Jura

KRAKÓW-CZĘSTOCHOWA UPLAND

POLISH JURA

Area of research and projects during studies and during professional and post graduate work

Over the last 10 years, starting as a student and then as part of my academic and professional activities, I have conducted research into the built environment of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland located in the southern part of Poland. The research was aimed at identifying the characteristics of regional architecture found in this area. The study included urban layouts of towns, building layouts of plots, architecture and volume of buildings and architectural details. The data collected is to be used to develop guidelines for the design of contemporary buildings in the area.

The research work carried out led to a doctoral thesis at the Faculty of Architecture at the Silesian University of Technology entitled: ‚Forms of buildings in the northern part of the Krakow-Czestochowa Jurassic Highland in terms of compatibility with the cultural identity of the region’. The scientific activity connected with the university is also didactic work with students within the subjects covering urban planning and architectural issues, as well as scientific publications (4 publications) and participation in scientific conferences.

Boards illustrating the process of finding design solutions

On the basis of field research and analysis of existing forms of housing, I have attempted to design a residential development whose architectural, functional and spatial solutions would fit in with the existing landscape of the northern part of the Krakow-Czestochowa Jurassic Upland.

Based on the research, I designed three residential buildings, which are referred to as Jura House.

The design of the building is a configuration that combines three inspirations: the context of the surroundings, the importance of the function and the picturesqueness of the composition. The guiding idea of the project was to create a building that fits into the existing context of the surroundings, complementing its shape.

The building volume is separated and at the same time connected by a keystone in the form of an internal courtyard. The presented functional layout offers the possibility of isolation and at the same time openness to the surrounding landscape. The division of the volume also made it possible to maintain proportions consistent with the character of the neighbouring buildings. Despite its rich function, the building is not a spatial dominant, nor does it tower over the surrounding buildings. The two stone walls, which are a symbol of the reference to local architecture, increasingly aware of the need for harmony with the surrounding environment.

JURA HOUSE A project executed as part of studies and post graduate work year 2012 location KRAKÓW-CZĘSTOCHOWA UPLAND

Jura House A. Exterior view

Jura House A. Interior view

Jura House A. Upper floor plan

Jura House A. Ground floor plan

The house was designed for an agritourism function. The volume of the building, divided into two smaller volumes, is at the same time functionally divided into a residential part and a part occupied by potential guests.

The design aims to create a building that will fit in with the landscape. It does not dominate the existing buildings in the area. At the same time, it is intended to meet modern requirements for usable floor space.

The functional and spatial solutions allow for free use of the space. The entrance area in the form of a passageway between the volume of the residential part and the volume of the garage is designed as a niche with a small terrace. The continuation of the terrace takes place on the recreational side, accessible from the common area.

JURA HOUSE B project executed as part of studies and post graduate work year 2014

KRAKÓW-CZĘSTOCHOWA UPLAND

Jura House B. Exterior view.

Jura House B. Interior view

Jura House B. Upper floor plan

Jura House B. Ground floor plan

The design includes the use of materials characteristic of the surrounding buildings (limestone, brick). The volume and form of the building does not deviate from the formal solutions characteristic of the Jura region. The building is a continuation of the local aesthetics created through the perspective of contemporary user needs.

The functional and spatial solutions include the open space of the ground floor. On the first floor, there is a separate bedroom and studio area connected through a mezzanine with a living room. Large glazed window surfaces allow one to observe the changing light, colours and landscapes.

JURA HOUSE C project executed as part of studies and post graduate work

2014

KRAKÓW-CZĘSTOCHOWA UPLAND

Jura House C. Exterior view

Jura House C. Interior view

Jura House C. Ground floor plan

Jura House C. Upper floor plan

Conceptual sketch

The project consists of a complex of buildings containing a hotel and conference, restaurant and recreational function. The investment area located on the southern slope of the Lipówki Mountain (the area of the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland) allows for the construction of swimming pools utilising potential thermal water deposits.

The designed complex of buildings has been divided into two parts: a hotel and conference part and a restaurant and cafe part with a swimming pool and SPA.

The functional and spatial solutions aim to make the best use of the topography, sunlight, surrounding landscapes and potential thermal water resources. The architecture of the building is reminiscent of the regional architecture: gabled roof, wooden structural elements, ground floor wall made of limestone.

View of the designed complex from the western side

Urban layout of the designed complex

AMMONITE HOTEL project executed as part of university work year 2011 location KRAKÓW-CZĘSTOCHOWA UPLAND

The entrance area, in the form of an internal square with a fountain, serves the various functions of the building and acts as the heart of the entire urban-architectural complex

View of the architectural and urban complex of the hotel and conference complex with swimming pools. The building is set into the southern slope of Mount Lipovka, blending in with the surrounding landscape

Ground floor plan: entrance hall with administration, utility area, recreation area with swimming pools and spa in the eastern part

First floor plan: conference area extending to the south, catering area with restaurant, cafeteria and kitchen in the central part, adjacent to the hotel staff welfare area

Second floor plan: hotel zone (repetetive floor)

DRAWING

my second year at university, I started running courses in architectural drawing, which I continued for 13 years. I encouraged my students to practice freehand drawing and develop their spatial imagination, much needed in the work of an architect. All my students have graduated or are studying architecture at their chosen universities.