Martin Krupauer

How do you incorporate light and lighting into your projects? 

Light defines the entire space and its atmosphere; it is one of the key aspects of every project we do. We use both natural and artificial light; for example, the Galerie Martin department store in Slovakia, where the façade itself plays with light and shadow. Also, the Forum Karlín, where light creates an energized atmosphere, and the Sedlčany Community Centre, where light creates a more spiritual atmosphere.

Which three of your projects would you consider the most significant?

We give every project our utmost and we consider every project to be significant. If I were to highlight one of them though, it would be the Československá Obchodní Banka building in České Budějovice. It uses a glass "curtain" to form the façade, inviting the outside light into the bank hall's interior. Also, we recently received the Building of the Year award for the Sedlčany Community Center.

What is your opinion on current social issues like interconnected lighting or sustainable energy?

We approach sustainability rationally and see great potential in making full use of available resources. For example, the transformation of Brno's industrial brownfield site on Špitálka Street into an innovative neighborhood carries the motto "evolution, not destruction. We want to make use of the existing buildings and breathe new life into them, so that they're attractive to potential inhabitants.