Architect Constructs Fairytale-Inspired Cottages with a Vision from God, Criticizes Modern Trends Impacting Art and Architecture
He dreams of a world where humans, their humanity, and their traditions are important.
Polish architect Sebastian Pitoń creates fairy-tale cottages in the beautiful Tatra Mountains, located on the border of Poland and Slovakia. With their sloped roofs, natural stone, and artistic use of wood, his homes are a mark of strong, proud highland culture and folklore.
The 53-year-old, who started his adventure with cottages at the end of the last century while he was still in his 20s, believes “modern trends” are ailing our world and taking us away from the traditional path. He aims to highlight good old-fashioned architectural practices and says his forebears sought to create beauty through harmony with nature.
“Nowadays, everything is dehumanized and technology-themed. My vision is the complete opposite,” he told The Epoch Times. “I see a future where the world is in harmony, and a person lives in an area filled with nature in a beautiful cottage surrounded by trees while also having his loved ones around him, like kids and their grandparents.”
Mr. Pitoń dreams of building a world he believes “God envisioned,” with humanity at the center, and that means upholding the traditions of his people. A world that isn’t anything like “the futuristic tech world where humans and their humanity are not important.”
Being of highland lineage himself, the architect and activist lives in the idyllic mountain village of Kościelisko, in the Podhale region, with his wife, Monika, whom he describes as “a great painter.” The couple have three grown-up sons. The street they live on, “Pitoniówka,” is named after his family.
The style of design he works in is referred to as “Zakopianski” and hails from the 19th century. It is unique to this region of the Polish highlands. Rich in music, art, and literature, Podhale has a colorful culture full of folklore, preserved in vibrant costume, dance, music, and customs.
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“Our Podhale culture had its first growth period before World War I,” Mr. Pitoń said. “They were masters of woodworking, famous for their architecture. I want to evolve that art even further.”
