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Radu Tîrcă and Ștefania Hîrleață are students at University of Architecture and Urbanism 'Ion Mincu', Bucharest. At present, they lead their theoretical research on the subject of thermal towns and diploma projects in Govora Baths under the guidance of Stefan Simion, Irina Tulbure and Ilinca Paun Constantinescu. As students, they won second prize and best student project in a BeeBreeders international architecture competition - Mango Vynil Hub, third prize in a Zeppelin national competition - Prototip pentru comunitate, as well as other mentions in other competitions.
In November 2023, Bucharest hosted Tony Fretton (on the 13th at Sala Frescelor, UAUIM) and Jonathan Sergison (on the 14th at Auditorium Hall, MNAR) as part of Mazzocchioo.Talks#9.
Tony Fretton traveled from his hometown of London, where he leads Tony Fretton Architects and is actively engaged in teaching and lecturing. His recent series, featuring nine in-depth discussions on significant historical buildings for the Architecture Foundation’s 100-day studio, was one of his notable contributions.
Jonathan Sergison, based in Zurich, was at the given time in Japan, participating in a joint studio organized by the Kyoto Institute of Technology and the Academy of Architecture and USI Mendrisio. This 9th edition of Mazzocchioo magazine celebrated the event as a significant moment for the architectural and cultural community.
Starting in 2023, Mzch.Talks aimed to bring together two architects from the same country each year. Tony Fretton and Jonathan Sergison graciously accepted this invitation, contributing to a growing tradition at UAUIM, where early years of study emphasize architecture as a crucial part of the existing urban framework. The curriculum values the city’s architectural heritage and places importance on both individual and collective housing.
The event focused not only on the projects of the invited architects but also delved into their architectural passions and professional environments. The discussions explored what it means to practice architecture in the United Kingdom and in other countries where they have worked and taught. They also shared insights about their formative years, influential figures in their development, and other significant experiences that shaped their careers.
One of the highlights of the talks was the long-standing professional dialogue between Tony Fretton and Jonathan Sergison, which spanned over four decades. This exchange reflected not only their creative work but also their friendship, intellectual debates, and the diverse array of ideas that have influenced their careers. The decision to invite them together stemmed from a deep admiration of their personal trajectories, as well as their built and unbuilt projects.
Their shared history began in the 1980s, when Jonathan first met Tony during his application process at the Architectural Association (AA). Jonathan recalled this encounter as a pivotal moment, saying, “He left a very strong impression on me, so much so that I felt if he was an example of what an architect could be, I wanted to be an architect too.”
Both Tony Fretton and Jonathan Sergison have maintained a dual engagement in practice and academia throughout their careers. This combined focus on teaching, writing, and lecturing enriches their architectural practice, bridging theory and practice. Their approach emphasizes the moral responsibility of building, rooted in a respect for place and a commitment to passing on knowledge to younger generations, thereby contributing to the broader theoretical debates on architecture and urbanism.
Their works, characterized by a respect for the pre-existing city fabric, respond thoughtfully to evolving architectural and urban typologies. They designed buildings that embraced the rich modesty of being part of the urban context without striving to be merely spectacular. Their projects resonated with a certain quietness, understanding the ethical responsibility of architecture to be part of a larger construct—the city and its broader ecosystem. This ethos values existing built heritage, respects the residents, and creates space for future generations to interpret and adapt without compromising the core principles of the profession and the cultural identity of architecture.
