Voices of ArchDaily: Maria-Cristina Florian

Born and based in the Transylvanian region of Romania, Maria-Cristina approaches architecture with a rich, multifaceted perspective shaped by a diverse academic and professional journey. Holding master's degrees from UTCN and KU Leuven, she has combined rigorous architectural training with a broad curiosity that spans both the creative and analytical aspects of the discipline. Early in her career, she worked in small and medium-sized architecture offices, gaining valuable practical experience, before transitioning into editorial work at ArchDaily in 2022. Since then, she has advanced to Managing Editor, all while pursuing a Ph.D. in architectural studies and serving as a teaching assistant, reflecting her deep commitment to both practice and scholarship.

Maria-Cristina's approach to architecture is rooted in an understanding of its complexity and diversity. She sees architecture not as a fixed definition but as an evolving field where structures, physics, materials, aesthetics, philosophy, and human experience intertwine. Her interest in editorial work grew from this worldview, discovering that writing and designing share parallels: both involve constructing ideas that connect and support one another, much like the elements of a building. Through this lens, she finds joy in crafting essays that communicate complex ideas clearly and simply, emphasizing the uniqueness of concepts rather than words.

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In her editorial role, Maria-Cristina is guided by curiosity and a search for sparks—those unexpected connections or overlooked histories that open new ways of understanding architecture. She values content that challenges repetitive narratives and embraces diversity in influence, encouraging continuous learning and adaptation in the field. She is particularly attentive to the shift in architectural discourse toward local, context-adapted solutions informed by vernacular and indigenous knowledge, balanced with scientific and technological innovation. This approach signals a move away from top-down, standardized methodologies toward more inclusive and community-engaged practices.

Through her work, Maria-Cristina aims to foster an editorial space that amplifies diverse voices and thoughtful storytelling, connecting history, theory, and practice. She is passionate about encouraging architectural narratives that resonate broadly and inspire meaningful dialogue within the global architecture community.

Read on to learn more about Maria's perspective and journey.

What first sparked your interest in architecture — and what led you to editorial work?

Architecture always seemed to me a loosely defined field: it involves structures, physics, material properties, it is also about art, proportions, and aesthetics; philosophical in some regards, bound by reality in others, and always linked to the human experience. This multitude is what attracted me to it. The turn to editorial work came later. I never considered myself a talented writer; I still don't, but what I discovered while working on my dissertation, at the end of my studies, is that writing can be similar to designing. It is a completely different medium, but an essay relies on arguments working together, influencing and supporting each other, just like a building is shaped by elements and spaces, all linked and connected. Once I understood editorial work through an architectural lens, it became a fascinating process of building up essays, finding the uniqueness in ideas, not words, and seeking to communicate them clearly and simply.

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What do you look for when deciding whether a project or topic is worth publishing?

It is difficult to find a singular definition of what attracts me to an idea or topic. I would describe it more like a spark, a glimpse of something worth looking into. It could be an unexpected connection, a forgotten chapter of history, a unique perspective that explains a familiar phenomenon, or a discovery into a new way of practicing architecture. Most topics have the potential to ignite a spark, yet it is not an easy thing to find; it requires a good amount of curiosity and follow-through. Architectural media can often feel oversaturated with repetitive concepts and designs, but I believe it offers the most value when it embraces this sense of curiosity coupled with an openness to diverse influences and dedication to continuous learning and adaptation.

Is there a project or story you've published that particularly resonated with you — and why?

The first article that comes to mind is titled "How Amsterdam Uses the Doughnut Economics Model to Create a Balanced Strategy for Both the People and the Environment." While it is one of my early articles, it articulates several themes that I continue to consider important: it has an interdisciplinary approach, presenting an economic model developed outside the field of architecture, but it connects it in applied ways to the urban environment of Amsterdam; it shows how cities can contribute to wider conversations and highlights a strategy that aims to balance environmental sustainability with social responsibility, the two most important contemporary challenges. It also aims to offer a grounded approach, replicable at different scales, thus offering, I hope, valuable information to readers from multiple categories.

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What shifts or emerging trends in architecture are you paying close attention to right now?

When contemplating the directions of architectural discourse, I am noticing, with some enthusiasm, a reorientation to local practices, but without losing the global perspective. Discourse, and the practice of architecture, is beginning to recognize more of the values of context-adapted solutions, often informed by vernacular and indigenous knowledge, but put in connection with scientific developments and technological innovations. While some of the problems we are facing can be considered universal, the solutions are becoming more and more adapted and localized, therefore more efficient. It represents a step away from the top-down standardized approach, and towards listening, understanding, and working together with local communities. This is a direction that I believe is worth promoting and encouraging.  

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What's something you've learned from your editorial work that continues to shape how you see architecture?

The media plays an undeniably important role; expanding beyond just showcasing buildings, it helps articulate concepts, offer a wider context, create connections, and makes the stories more accessible. Words hold power, but only in their ability to communicate ideas effectively. I have encountered many architects who prefer to stay away from this medium, but I would encourage everyone to embrace it. It does not have to be about displaying lyrical talent, but rather about crystallizing architecture into storytelling and articulating one's unique perspective. My hope and aim is to help create a media landscape that allows for diverse voices to be heard, embracing clear, honest storytelling, addressing challenges, and helping broaden the positive impact of architecture on society.

This profile is part of the series "Voices of ArchDaily," a dedicated space highlighting the people behind our content team—their interests, experiences, and professional journeys.

About this author
Cite: ArchDaily. "Voices of ArchDaily: Maria-Cristina Florian" 30 Jul 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1032669/voices-of-archdaily-maria-cristina-florian> ISSN 0719-8884

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