WARSAW, 18.09.2025
COLOR MATTERS | From Statement to Space: The Power of Color in Architecture
The JUNG Architecture Talks titled "COLOR MATTERS – From Statement to Space: The Power of Color in Architecture" took place in Warsaw on 18 September 2025. Three international experts – Przemo Łukasik (Medusa Group), Cathy Figueiredo (Melon Breakers) and Jacob van Rijs (MVRDV) – discussed how color, as an architectural tool, shapes spaces and transports identity, attitude and social impact.
Color is much more than a decorative element – it structures, connects, signals and communicates. On an architectural scale, it can provide orientation, enhance emotional qualities, and highlight cultural references. Whether in an urban context, public spaces or interior design, color significantly influences how we experience and understand architecture. How do color concepts shape the atmosphere of a room? What role does color play in brand communication, public spaces and urban design? And how do material, light and pigment combine to form a holistic design concept?
As co-founder of the medusagroup, Przemo Luksik develops architectural and urban projects that often feature a pared-back design language, the precise use of materials, and subtle colors – and always with a strong reference to the location. Cathy Figueiredo, co-founder of Melon Breakers, combines strategic brand work with multi-sensory spatial design. She views color as a tool for emotional communication, particularly in hospitality, retail and cultural projects. Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of Rotterdam-based architecture firm MVRDV, uses color in his projects as a design statement, a functional guidance system and a cultural message. Whether it's the Markthal in Rotterdam, the Valley in Amsterdam, or current urban projects worldwide, color is an integral part of his designs.
Together with our guests, we discussed the design power of color as well as architectural attitude, perception, and impact. The evening was moderated by Dijane Slavic.
Color is much more than a decorative element – it structures, connects, signals and communicates. On an architectural scale, it can provide orientation, enhance emotional qualities, and highlight cultural references. Whether in an urban context, public spaces or interior design, color significantly influences how we experience and understand architecture. How do color concepts shape the atmosphere of a room? What role does color play in brand communication, public spaces and urban design? And how do material, light and pigment combine to form a holistic design concept?
As co-founder of the medusagroup, Przemo Luksik develops architectural and urban projects that often feature a pared-back design language, the precise use of materials, and subtle colors – and always with a strong reference to the location. Cathy Figueiredo, co-founder of Melon Breakers, combines strategic brand work with multi-sensory spatial design. She views color as a tool for emotional communication, particularly in hospitality, retail and cultural projects. Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of Rotterdam-based architecture firm MVRDV, uses color in his projects as a design statement, a functional guidance system and a cultural message. Whether it's the Markthal in Rotterdam, the Valley in Amsterdam, or current urban projects worldwide, color is an integral part of his designs.
Together with our guests, we discussed the design power of color as well as architectural attitude, perception, and impact. The evening was moderated by Dijane Slavic.
Impressions
Photography: Tim Dornaus
Museum tour
PRZEMO ŁUKASIK
Przemo Łukasik was born in Chorzów in 1970. He graduated in architecture from the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice. He also studied at Ecole d’Architecture Paris-Villemin in Paris, France. After graduation he worked at P.P. Pabel Architekten in Berlin and the Paris offices of Jean Nouvel Architecture and Odile Decq / Benoit Cornette.
In 1997, together with Łukasz Zagała, he founded the medusagroup architectural studio. He spent a year teaching at Ecole Speciale d’Architecture in Paris.
Privately, he is strongly involved in sport – he practices triathlon – and is also committed to social projects in Silesia.
www.medusagroup.eu
www.medusagroup.eu
CATHY FIGUEIREDO
Cathy is the Co-Founder of Melon Breakers, a creative studio that supports brands with storytelling, experiences, and space concepts. With over 15 years of experience in brand development, experience design, and sensory storytelling, she is a passionate strategist and creative leader. She lives in Dénia by the sea but is also a world traveler, inspired by exciting projects.
Throughout her career, Cathy has served as the head of the Master's program in Creative Direction for Retail Spaces at IED Madrid and collaborates with educational institutions like IEM and EDEM. Previously, she led the creative studio WANNA, which received national and international awards. She has also been a jury member for the iF Design Awards and the Frame Awards.
Her philosophy centers on the connection between brand and person, emotion and strategy. She advocates for care-driven leadership and aims to create sustainable, meaningful projects.
www.melonbreakers.com
www.melonbreakers.com
JACOB VAN RIJS
MVRDV, ROTTERDAM
Jacob van Rijs, born 1964 in Amsterdam, is a co-founder and principal architect of MVRDV, an interdisciplinary studio that works at the intersection of architecture and urbanism. The award-winning Dutch practice was founded by Van Rijs alongside Winy Maas and Nathalie de Vries in 1993 and has established an international identity with a wide variety of building typologies and scales that are selfgenerated, innovative, experimental, and theoretical.
"For us at MVRDV, architecture is about people. A good design is one that allows people to feel happy, to be comfortable, to achieve their goals, and to live together well. But good designs should also be brave – it’s easy to make people happy by giving them what they expect, but it’s much better to show them how unexpected ways of doing things can improve their lives in some way.”
www.mvrdv.nl
"For us at MVRDV, architecture is about people. A good design is one that allows people to feel happy, to be comfortable, to achieve their goals, and to live together well. But good designs should also be brave – it’s easy to make people happy by giving them what they expect, but it’s much better to show them how unexpected ways of doing things can improve their lives in some way.”
www.mvrdv.nl
