TOMASZ GESIAK
ARCHITECT:
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175 years ago, the Crystal Palace became a symbol of technological breakthrough and industrial ambition. Today, by utilizing a site within a sports park—precisely where the original structure stood before its destruction—this project proposes a contemporary reinterpretation of the palace as a manifesto for modern engineering, sustainable development, and economic resilience. The new Crystal Palace serves as both a tribute to the past and a visionary statement directed toward the future; it stands as proof that Europe remains capable of executing bold, large-scale undertakings rooted in advanced materials and innovative business models. The concept rests on three primary pillars: construction, ecology, and economics. Its spatial layout reinterprets the historical, single-nave hall with a glazed roof, intersected by a grand main entrance axis. The building’s dimensions closely mirror the proportions of the original structure. The roof consists of a modular system of diagonal steel trusses—a "diagrid"—which converge at the entrance to form a vaulted canopy with a prominent cantilever. A transparent skin, crafted from advanced, lightweight polymers, resembles a taut membrane suspended over the framework, emphasizing the building’s visual lightness. Within the side wings, a system of three-level timber terraces—constructed from engineered wood—creates a cohesive, universally accessible network of platforms, ramps, and walkways, ensuring complete inclusivity.
Is it possible for an entire city to fit into a single building? Tomasz Gęsiak's design is a bold answer to this question. The 2-kilometer-tall skyscraper is not only a futuristic vision but also a realistic solution to the problems facing modern cities. Instead of uncontrolled sprawl onto green and agricultural lands, all residential, service, and recreational functions have been condensed into a single, monumental structure. The building acts as an urban "superunit," housing what is typically scattered throughout the city—apartments, offices, shops, restaurants, cultural, recreational, and green spaces. This solution not only protects the surrounding landscape but also reduces infrastructure costs—instead of expanding kilometers of roads, water, and power lines, all utilities are concentrated within a single architectural entity.
A Community Center That Connects Instead of Dividing - Competition Project. The sustainable community center Zabjelo in Podgorica is a place where the clinic, lecture halls, and social space share a single main hall, a single natural light, and a single open square. Mixed-use buildings are typically designed with rigorous partitioning. Typical solutions include a separate entrance, a separate corridor, and a separate elevator—all designed to create closed, hermetic zones. The result is two or more user groups that never meet, even though they pass by each other daily within a few meters of each other, remaining isolated by architecture. The concept for the community center for Zabjelo in Podgorica begins with a bold reversal of this conservative assumption and with a straightforward question: how can a person going for a routine medical examination and a person heading to an afternoon lecture end up in the same place, instead of being separated by two separate, anonymous passages? The answer lies in a single, decisive spatial gesture—the breaking of the form. This deliberate curvature of the building's structure is not merely a formal device, but above all a powerful social tool. Thanks to it, the building's geometry naturally directs all visitors to the central, glass-walled passage. It is at this strategic point that the paths of patients, local activists, cultural event attendees, and ordinary passersby intersect. Instead of building invisible walls, the architecture invites interaction, creating a vibrant, shared heart of the building. The shared entrance space, the blurring of boundaries between individual zones, and the view onto the same courtyard make a visit to the health center and a visit to the cultural center become elements of the same, integrating urban experience.
CONCEPT ESTATE
CONCEPT ESTATE
The project presents a vision of a modern residential complex that harmoniously integrates architecture with nature. It is a place where residents can enjoy comfort, aesthetics, and proximity to greenery, creating ideal conditions for living, relaxation, and social integration. The buildings stand out with their modern architecture—simple forms with large glass facades that ensure excellent natural lighting indoors. The façades feature neutral colors, accented by warm wooden tones.
TAB 2026
TAB 2026
The Black & White project, created for the 2026 Tallinn Architecture Biennale, is a manifesto of modern architecture, whose rigorous, square plan addresses the challenge of constructing buildings of high aesthetic value within a significantly limited budget. This project demonstrates that conscious cost discipline can become a creative stimulus for creating powerful, minimalistic messages that retain their monumental significance. Referencing the classic contrast of European elegance, the concept employs a clear square geometry, introducing structural order into the existing urban space. The square was chosen as the most basic form, subconsciously communicating spatial order and the solidity of the form to the viewer. A sense of volume is achieved through the expressive, almost graphic contrast of the exterior white of the flagpoles and waving flags with the aura of mystery introduced by the black of the central information panel, effectively creating a strong landmark within the square.
Modern elegance meets soothing, organic simplicity, creating a cohesive narrative of contemporary interior design. These designs are characterized by a light, subdued color palette based on white, warm shades of natural wood, and subtle accents of sage green. Minimalist forms are the focal points of the night spaces – from low wooden beds to elegant, grooved glazing, which lend the interiors a lightness. A strong emphasis is placed on the seamless interconnection of zones and a closeness to nature, emphasized by the high glazing that lets in abundant daylight and views of the lush green terraces. The bathroom area, meanwhile, successfully combines the raw character of concrete with the warmth of wood and modern, black walk-in shower profiles, complementing the overall design with organic plant accents. The overall design creates a harmonious space inspired by the spirit of Japanese minimalism and modern luxury, perfect for daily relaxation and tranquility.
The church's interior is a harmonious blend of modern spatial solutions with references to traditional religious architecture. The central motif of the space is the exposed structure of glued wooden beams, which converge radially at a single keystone point suspended high under the roof. This is not only a structural element but also a symbolic one, alluding to the concept of community, unity, and the Divine Center toward which the entire spatial design is directed. The interior's geometry stems directly from the exterior layout – the four-slope roof, based on an irregular hexagon, transfers its dynamic rhythm into the interior. As a result, the space is saturated with the movement of lines and light, yet without losing its sacred tranquility. The rhythmic arrangement of beams creates a clear structure that gives the interior order and promotes concentration. Daylight enters through glazing located in the roof gables – this is particularly visible from the eastern side, where a large triangular skylight illuminates the chancel. This gives the space a natural, spiritual dimension – the light not only illuminates the interior but also symbolically leads upwards, towards transcendence. The chancel is defined by the recessed and distinct rear wall, reflecting the characteristic, simplified shape of the house. In its center is a niche intended for the main altar.
The spatial form of the sign is a traditional Arabic dhow sailing into the bay. At night, when the main structure is appropriately illuminated, it transforms into a crescent moon rising above the horizon, welcoming visitors to the city. This speaks volumes about its location. Its height speaks to its scale, while its shape, inspired by the tradition of navigation, evokes the city's location. The structure's form is based on a spatial grid of triangles, tapered at the apex, where the lower apex, pivotally attached to the ground, allows the material (steel) to respond to prevailing winds and temperature changes. The entire structure is held together by flexible cables in an east-west arrangement. In the western part (facing the bay), it uses a traditional linear design, while in the eastern part, it uses a modern Y-shaped double cable arrangement with alternating fastenings. This arrangement symbolizes the traditional approach from the sea to the new, futuristic district through a spatial form suggesting a transition point. The assumed structure height is 135.00 m. The dimensions of the tie rod attachment arms are: 55.0 m in the western section and 50.0 m in the eastern section. The structure and its foundation are within the boundaries of the designated location. Daytime illumination will be achieved by painting the structural elements (with parameters that maximize sunlight reflection). Nighttime illumination will be achieved by spotlighting the structure and streaking it from below, using spotlights located near the structure's attachment points to the ground. The structure's foundation will be made of reinforced concrete elements, level with the green area, and supported by a system of reinforced concrete piles that stabilize the entire structure in the ground.
The photo shows a spacious and modern living room, a perfect example of apartment interior design. The interior is bright and full of natural light thanks to large floor-to-ceiling windows that provide panoramic views of the outdoors. Light wood flooring warms the space, creating a cozy atmosphere. In the center of the living room are comfortable, cream-colored sofas arranged around low, minimalist tables, perfect for relaxation or socializing. A modern TV unit adorns one wall, and a large, colorful bookcase stands next to it. Books in various shades of orange, blue, and yellow enliven the space and give the interior a unique character. On the left, we see a modern, simple dining table with an elegant metal chair and a bowl of fruit and a potted plant as decoration. A large, designer lamp hangs above the table, emphasizing the modern style of the room. The interior design combines functionality with aesthetics, creating a space ideal for relaxation, work, or gatherings with loved ones.
The presented interior of the MICRO HOUSE concept is a true example of elegance in simplicity. Despite its minimalist décor, the space exudes comfort and tranquility, resulting from thoughtful design and harmony with the surrounding nature. The focal point of this interior is the bed, located directly next to large, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the surrounding landscape – in this case, a relaxing ocean horizon. The transparency and openness of the space literally connect the interior with nature, ensuring constant contact with the outside world while protecting intimacy and privacy with light, flowing curtains. The wooden ceiling with subtle LED lighting creates a pleasant, warm atmosphere, contrasting with the starkness of the glass and the simplicity of the bed. This detail demonstrates that comfort can be achieved without unnecessary frills – simply by combining natural materials and a carefully designed space. This interior perfectly aligns with the MICRO HOUSE philosophy – less is more. By eliminating unnecessary elements, the space becomes a place of rest for body and mind, while simultaneously being as functional as possible. It's the perfect solution for those who value living in close contact with nature without sacrificing modern amenities. This architecture demonstrates how modern design can harmonize with nature, while offering comfort, aesthetics, and a sustainable approach to living.
Architecture begins at the level of concepts and ideas. In this section, I share my texts, reflections, and opinions on urban planning, social processes, and design practice. Drawing on over twenty years of market experience, I look at where our cities are heading—and I invite you to read and exchange ideas. ACTIVITY
My name is Tomasz Gęsiak. I am an architect with over twenty years of experience, a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at the Krakow University of Technology, and a member of the Masovian District Chamber of Architects of the Republic of Poland (MOIA). I combine a passion for design with a deep understanding of urban and social processes. I look at architecture not merely through the lens of a building's physical form, but as a living ecosystem created for people. I create solutions grounded in solid practice, experience, and the real needs of modern cities.
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