I am an architect, urban planner and architectural theorist. Since 2017, I have been running my own architectural practice. I am based in Prague, Czech Republic. I work internationally and design buildings not only in the Czech Republic but also in Indonesia, where I designed several projects. I design buildings of various scales, from small buildings to large ensembles. From interiors, residential projects, through commercial, cultural, civic to religious buildings. I studied architecture at the Faculty of Architecture in Prague, Czech Republic, but also at the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. I chose to study in Turkey with the aim of getting to know another culture and a different view of architecture. This study greatly influenced my approach and view of architecture. My desire to learn about different cultures allows me to design buildings all over the world and thus connect my distinctive architectural style with the local cultural environment of the given country.
In addition to designing, I also engage in theoretical and research activities. On a theoretical level, I investigate spatial aspects of the impact of architectural space on people and the transformation of spaces in the course of history across different cultures. In my research, I focus on the typology of residential buildings and sustainable development. And that mainly by the typology of townhouses, as a certain way of urban living. I also worked on this topic as part of my doctoral studies at the Faculty of Architecture in Prague, where, among other things, I also taught and led various conferences dealing with building typology for many years. I also participated in several projects in the field of building typology, processed for the Ministry of Regional Planning. The goal of my doctorate was to create a system of spatial types of townhouses, which was subsequently applied to the Czech environment to determine specific requirements for the form and typology of townhouses and the applicability of this typology within the Czech Republic. One of the successes of my work was the modification of the definition of a family house in the new Building Law, so that townhouses could be built in the Czech environment. I apply knowledge from theory and research in my proposals. I lecture about my projects, theories and research at universities, conferences, debates all over the world.
My work reflects my interest in geometry and space. I am fascinated by basic geometric shapes such as circle, ellipse, square, rectangle, triangle. Geometry is the main carrier of the organization of my designed projects. On the basis of geometry, I strive to organize the given space into easier-to-grasp spatial relationships. Organization brings order to the work. The shape, matter and arrangement itself are based on the reaction to the given context of the place in which the work is placed. It is therefore not possible to take an already designed work and place it in another environment. I like to work with elevated spaces, elevated levels, vistas, lines of sight, contrast, and a moment of surprise. Through architectural space, I try to create interesting atmospheres that arouse emotions in people. I am an architect of emotional spaces. I try to design original and memorable works. The degree of emotion is determined by the strength of the spatial atmosphere of the architectural work. My designs are often based on the study of history, especially the baroque principles of architecture. Such as, for example, the drama of spaces, theatricality, baroque dualism and others. Not only the baroque is a great source of inspiration for me. I like to use stone, concrete, brick or wood.
Another activity of my work is judging in the largest student architectural competition INSPIRELI AWARDS in the world. In addition to being a juror, within this institution I evaluate student works from various universities around the world. I am also a member of the The Czech Association of Art Historians, where my task is to participate in the development of research in the history of art and architecture and to respond to current social and cultural challenges.
Contact:
Erik Petrus, Ph.D.
petrus@erikpetrus.com
www.erikpetrus.com