From Southeast Europe
Architecture Shouldn’t Feel Like a Funeral: A Talk with Mjölk Architects
In a profession often weighed down by solemnity and convention, Czech architecture studio Mjölk is a rare force of lightness, spontaneity, and social intent. At the BIG Architecture 2025 event in Portorož, the studio’s co-founders Jan Mach and Jan Vondrák engaged in a lively and thoughtful conversation with Slovenian architect and curator Aleksander Ostan, recorded as part of the BIG SEE Talks, offering a vivid look into how two young architects from Liberec have grown a practice defined by wit, autonomy, and deep connection to place. "Most of the meetings or actions in our field are like funerals. Super boring. We are trying to break it because we don’t like it. Our profession is super funny and super creative. I don’t know why we should wear only black clothes."— Jan Vondrák Starting with Nothing—and Redefining Everything Straight out of university, Jan and Jan chose a path most would avoid: no internships, no years under a mentor, just immediate immersion into their own architectural studio. Their early days were filled not with commissions but with self-initiated ideas, such as the now-famous wooden mountain tower, proposed to small municipalities with no formal competition or client brief. The message? Build first, prove later. This hands-on approach extended to a public sauna, constructed overnight with friends on an abandoned concrete island in a lake. It wasn’t sanctioned—but it was loved. And it launched their career. The project gained attention on ArchDaily, transforming Mjölk from a studio
Hungary at Expo 2025: Where Nature, Culture, and Harmony Meet
Hungary’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, designed by ZDA – Zoboki Design and Architecture, offers a poetic and immersive journey that bridges tradition and sustainability. Titled “One World, One Soul,” the pavilion draws inspiration from the shared cultural values of Hungary and Japan, emphasizing harmony between humanity and nature. Architecturally, the pavilion features a forest-like structure crafted from natural materials, reflecting vernacular techniques common to both nations. Visitors enter through a symbolic woodland path, leading to a wooden dome reminiscent of a traditional haystack. This dome houses an immersive theater where live Hungarian folk music performances unfold beneath a starry ceiling, creating a multisensory experience that connects audiences to the essence of Hungarian culture. Beyond its cultural showcase, the pavilion serves as a hub for business and diplomacy. The second floor hosts spaces for conferences and networking, aiming to strengthen Hungary’s economic ties with East Asia. Culinary offerings include a bistro and wine bar, introducing visitors to traditional Hungarian gastronomy. A gift shop features locally made products, allowing guests to take a piece of Hungary home with them. Hungary’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka not only celebrates its rich heritage but also presents a forward-looking vision that aligns with the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” Through its thoughtful integration of nature, music, and sustainable design, the pavilion invites visitors to reflect on the interconnectedness of cultures and the importance of preserving traditions in shaping a sustainable future. Text: Jure
Climadiversity in Motion: Croatia’s Living Microclimates at Expo 2025
Croatia's pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka offers a groundbreaking sensory experience that brings the nation's diverse climates directly to visitors. Titled “Croatia – Climadiversity,” the pavilion is an immersive installation that dynamically reflects real-time weather data from approximately 50 locations across Croatia. Utilizing a network of heating and cooling pipes, the interior environment shifts to mirror the temperatures and humidity levels of various Croatian regions, providing a unique experience with each visit. Designed by a team including Lana Grahek, Maroje Mrduljaš, Antonio Patljak, Korina Vuković, and Pero Vuković, in collaboration with ARHIV Architecture and Urbanism, and constructed by Enison Ltd., the pavilion integrates thermal imaging technology to capture and display visitors' interactions with these microclimates. Live thermal feeds from Croatian weather stations are also streamed within the pavilion and shared on digital platforms, emphasizing the tangible impact of climate diversity. The pavilion's structure is modular and was entirely produced in Croatia, featuring 15 kilometers of piping and 13,000 joints and clamps, all designed for easy assembly and disassembly. This design not only showcases Croatia's climatic variety but also underscores a commitment to sustainability and innovation. By transforming abstract climate data into a physical and interactive exhibit, Croatia's pavilion stands out as a compelling fusion of technology, art, and environmental awareness at the Expo. Text: Jure Kotnik Photos: ©ExpoAustria, ©BWM DesignersArchitects Powered by
A Symphony in Wood: Austria’s Pavilion at Expo 2025
Austria’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka promises to be both a visual landmark and a cultural statement. Designed by BWM Designers & Architects in collaboration with facts and fiction, the project carries the theme “Austria. Composing the Future,” using music as a universal language to explore innovation, sustainability, and shared values. The pavilion’s centerpiece is a monumental wooden spiral, evoking a musical staff inscribed with the opening notes of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Stretching 91 meters in length and 16 meters high, the spiral not only symbolizes harmony and optimism but also showcases Austria’s expertise in timber construction. Built entirely with screws, it’s designed for full disassembly and reuse—a powerful gesture toward circular design and environmental responsibility. Behind this sculptural landmark lies a modular exhibition building, guiding visitors through a sensory journey. The experience begins with Austria’s musical and cultural heritage, then invites visitors to interact with oversized musical notes that reveal the country’s innovations in technology, education, and sustainability. The visit culminates in the “Cathedral of the Future,” a contemplative space where guests can help imagine visions of tomorrow. The pavilion also includes a café serving Austrian specialties, a VIP lounge, offices, and a viewing platform atop the spiral. By bridging tradition and innovation, and pairing sustainability with spectacle, the pavilion positions Austria as a forward-thinking, collaborative nation on the global stage. Text: Jure Kotnik Photos: ©ExpoAustria, ©BWM DesignersArchitects Powered by
Opening of Geberit’s Acoustic Space
Geberit, a leading company in sanitary technology in Europe, inaugurated its acoustic laboratory on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at its facility in Ruše. This unique acoustic space represents a significant addition for the company and is the result of an important developmental project whose goal is to showcase and raise awareness about sound through various experiments in an accessible manner. The idea for the acoustic space originated a decade ago during a family trip to Vienna. The company's director, Miran Medved, recalled the excitement of visiting the House of Music, an institution where visitors can explore the meanings of sound, melody, noise, harmony, and silence at diverse stations. "There, I began thinking about how we could similarly introduce our systems to people in a simple and understandable way," he explained. The acoustic laboratory was established at the company's Ruše location, offering substantial potential for educating the various target groups with whom Geberit collaborates. Medved added, "Here, we function as an educational institution, where anyone can arrange a visit and experience this acoustic space." The acoustic space features various stations that visitors can explore. While each station is interesting in its own right, those with zithers and flutes may hold particular value. Local artisans collaborated in crafting these stations. Zithers were custom-made by Mr. Vlado Nunčič. The construction itself was a unique project, involving the selection of suitable wood, drying it to the appropriate humidity before crafting zithers to fit the room's design. These are not conventional zithers, as they
MODUL EDGE
Time for something new. The prestigious MODUL EDGE line offers a special sensory and visual experience like never before. EDGE is the latest, carefully designed line of the MODUL family and represents the pinnacle of TEM's offerings. Designed and created by the leading Slovenian manufacturer of switches and sockets based on half a century of experience, rich knowledge of materials, and advanced production technology. The result is special toggle pin switches, whose shape resembles a latch, giving the MODUL EDGE line a distinctly bold character. Reflecting images of the past and creating a touch of modernity. Special pin switches in various colors form an innovative and unique experience. The harmony of pins in four color essences with metal and glass frames creates a uniquely refined appearance. Prestigious materials of decorative frames. Thanks to impressive aluminum processing, it shines in a new light – metallic decorative frames of EDGE. In three attention-worthy color experiences: silver, gold, anthracite. The purity of glass allows light to play and manifest in new glass decorative frames of EDGE. Contrasting colors, black and white, satisfy even the most refined taste. With EDGE, you can adapt to both modern minimalist design and rich retro style, fulfilling even the most demanding expectations of new constructions and renovations. The new EDGE line, part of the MODUL family, enables use with both pins and existing classic switches and sockets of MODUL. The MODUL family is characterized by easy installation, as all four design lines—Line, Soft, Pure, and EDGE—use the
A new TECE exhibition showroom has opened in Belgrade
On 9 June 2022, TECE opened a new exhibition room in Belgrade, at Požeška 31a. TECE has been present in Serbia, through its Representative Office in Belgrade, since 2016. After 6 years of successful operation, there was a need to open an exhibition showroom where all TECE product buyers, business partners, installers, architects and designers would be able to get an even better look at all TECE solutions in the field of sanitary products and installation techniques for projects they are working on. The opening of the exhibition room in Belgrade took place in a pleasant and relaxed setting with a suitable entertainment program, with numerous visitors, business partners, vendors, installers, architects and designers expressing their support by gracing us with their presence.The beautiful exhibition room is located at the above address on Banovo brdo, and has the total surface of 250 m2. The interior design is the brainchild of the renowned Novi Sad architect Sonja Brstina. Belgrade got a new it place for superior sanitary solutions offered by TECE. The modern and fluid space exudes a pleasant atmosphere, inviting you to check out all TECE solutions for water supply to the house and drainage of water from the house. The technical and design aspects of all products seem to be telling TECE’s customers - "close to you". The company's motto shows that TECE closely monitors all the needs of the modern man, new habits and lifestyles and is ready to respond to them technically and design-wise with top solutions
World design of Czech making
Design. Precise craftsmanship. Ergonomics. The three pillars that together make up the products of the Czech family company LD Seating. Collaboration with Czech and Italian designers whose talent champions the brand philosophy. A look that will last for decades. Care dedicated to every single step of the production process, for results that are perfect to the smallest detail. Where the machines can't make it, the hands of experienced seamstresses and upholsterers do. For almost 30 years. The nature of the work environment is changing. Where office chairs used to be ubiquitous, now there are armchairs, stools and lounge areas. At LD Seating, they understand the impact of the environment on work performance and ambiance, and have adapted their portfolio accordingly. The company features seating furniture that responds to the needs of specific spaces, with a wide range of variable accessories and upholstery fabrics for customised choices. The result is always a visually convincing solution that will succeed not only at design fairs, but especially with everyday users. The family tradition and personal responsibility for the brand's reputation are also reflected in the constant effort to move production processes to the highest possible level. A testament to this is, for example, the co-establishment of the PUR seating company, thanks to which the production of foam padding for bodies and seats doesn’t depend on external suppliers, but takes place directly at the Boskovice hall using state-of-the-art technologies. In addition to working with prominent Czech and foreign designers, such as Orlandini Design,
Extended range of Geberit iCon
New Geberit iCon WC with optimized Rimfree® technology has smooth outer contour ceramics that is very easy to clean. A special feature is also the optimized attachmentof the WC seat, which can be removed in one single step with the Quickrelease function. This is especially important for maintaining hygiene in the bathroom. Credits Manufacturer Geberit
Supply system Geberit FlowFit
FlowFit is a piping system for drinking water and heating applications. It features innovative connection technology with newly developed pressfittings. These not only set the highest standards in terms of easy and reliable installation, but also in terms of their flow characteristics. Credits Manufacturer Geberit
Bathroom series Geberit ONE
The wide selection in premium bathroom series Geberit ONE consists of numerous products that widen the possibilities of space design. The emphasis is placed on the washbasin, for which new space-saving siphons and drains were developed. Furthermore, various variants of the washbasin are available, with a wide range of horizontal and vertical drains. These are wonderfully complemented with additional furniture. Credits Manufacturer Geberit
AXOR ONE. THE ESSENCE OF SIMPLICITY.
REINVENTED ARCHETYPES AND A NEW MODE OF INTERACTION. AXOR One. A bathroom collection so elegant, elemental and pure, it could be realized only through radical innovation. Whether at the wash basin, bathtub or shower, familiar archetypes have been reinvented for greater clarity, enhanced function and superior control. Powered by advanced Select technology, the mixer establishes a new mode of interaction: Press down on its all-in-one controller to start or stop the water; swivel clockwise to increase the temperature. The action is effortless, intuitive and ultra-precise, and this same inventive design thinking characterizes the entire collection. Timeless by design, and available in Chrome, Matt Black and an array of exclusive AXOR FinishPlus surfaces, AXOR One brings exquisite beauty to any bathroom. Credits Brand AXOR Video here →
