After Oana Bogdan in representation of Belgium, the latest member of the 2025 BigMat International Architecture Award to be revealed is Martin Jančok. Founder and partner of the Slovak architecture office PLURAL, alongside Michal Janák, Martin Jančok has gained recognition for his innovative and thoughtful approach to contemporary architecture.

Established in 2009, PLURAL proposes architecture with a special emphasis on its social and cultural relevance. The studio’s wide-ranging portfolio includes exhibitions, housing projects, buildings for culture, the transformation and restoration of architectural heritage, public spaces, and large-scale city planning.

Among its recent achievements, PLURAL won the prestigious competition to design the new Prague Emergency Medical Service building, showcasing their ability to address complex functional requirements while creating an inspiring and human-centered environment. This project highlights the studio’s commitment to innovation and its capacity to make a meaningful impact on public infrastructure and urban life.

PLURAL works mainly for public clients and cultural institutions including the Slovak National Gallery, New Synagogue Žilina or Kunsthalle Bratislava.

PLURAL’s current flagship project is the transformation of a neglected neologic synagogue, designed by Peter Behrens, into a cultural centre, which was awarded as BigMat National Prize in Slovakia 2021. The building is now a contemporary exhibition space – Nová synagóga Kunsthalle. The project was also awarded with the Bauwelt Advancement Award 2013. Other recognized built projects include Alexis bookshop awarded the Slovak Chamber of Architects Prize CE-ZA-AR 2011 and the Summer Pavilion for the Slovak National Gallery awarded CE-ZA-AR 2012.

Learn more about their work and stay tuned for further 2025 Jury releases!