Monika in Gaston frames
You might have noticed that Bratislava is gaining more and more exceptional places with strong identities. Behind them stand creative people like architect Monika, who sees real value in improving her surroundings and the city itself.
21. August 2024, Author: Barbara Garaj, Photo: Jakub Čaprnka
Architecture grew close to her heart back at university, where – partly thanks to time spent abroad – she learned how to work in a team. She found the most enriching courses were those that brought her into contact with real materials and hands-on workshop practice. No wonder that after so many interesting experiences, her enthusiasm for improving public spaces only kept growing.
Over the past five years at the Metropolitan Institute, she's tried her hand at projects of all kinds – from temporary tactical urbanism interventions, through small-scale architectural elements in the landscape, public spaces in dense urban fabric, all the way to reconstructing large industrial halls on brownfield sites (abandoned plots in developed urban areas).
She's been part of several projects aimed at improving quality of life through public buildings. Among her favorites is undoubtedly Hajovna on Pekná cesta, where sustainability met local architectural character. The reconstructed gamekeeper's lodge eventually made it onto the shortlist for CE ZA AR, a prestigious architectural award.
"I'm a city person – both my home and work are rooted in the city. That's why my heart belongs to more out-of-the-way corners, like the beaches under Lafranconi Bridge or the Vydrica nature reserve in the City Forests. I'm fascinated by the scale and character of the Cargo Port area, and I have an emotional connection to the places where I grew up – the little streets around Hradný kopec and the football pitch by the Horský park dormitories. As for food spots, it's definitely Lacinka on Sancová."
When creating briefs and coordinating selected partners, she never forgets who the final users will be, what impact the space will have on its surroundings, and how people will behave in it.
At the same time, the specific place should fulfill its function in the broader context of the city. This means thinking about sustainability at every stage of the project and emphasizing the needs of the people who'll be visiting.
Monika believes that public spaces can make us better people. She sees every project she's part of as unique and tailored to fit. Together with the builders, they create the invisible story of each emerging place.
An interesting experience for Monika was working on the City Park project in Karlova Ves, where she collaborated with community members who are also the space's final users.
At the newly built Skatepark, you can enjoy a ride on hand-smoothed concrete or just hang out in a place buzzing with enthusiastic athletes.
Architect Monika came to ZITA looking for tasteful and inventive glasses. With her sister's help, she eventually chose an elegant cat-eye frame from French brand Gaston, which she considers her "personal chameleon."
Thanks to its subtle translucency, it shifts with the tones of her face. At times it looks understated, yet it also stands out as a playful accessory with exceptional details.
Monika loves to move, as her sporting interests show. Almost every day she enjoys adrenaline-fueled cycling through Trnavské myto, though sometimes she also heads to the City Forests for a downhill run on Cerová dráha.
Lately she's realized how important other space-time bubbles are for her. They help her step out of her comfort zone and make room for new impulses for self-expression. Just recently she joined the B team in women's football community Kozmos, where she's discovering genuine childlike joy.
With a group of friends, she's part of a band called Balaton, where she cuts loose as vocalist and dancer. Their performances are full of spontaneous music and one-of-a-kind fun. This winter you can see for yourself – Monika warmly invites you to Christmas at Balaton at Kaceček, which promises to be wildly unforgettable.
"I'm learning not to take myself too seriously, and dance helps with that. It makes me happy when I see a dancing crowd, and even more so when positive feedback comes after a show."
