046 FX TALKS
RADICAL THINKING
FX got the opportunity to catch up with Sumele Adelana, product specialist at Trimble SketchUp, to learn about what makes her tick and what inspires her architectural creativity and passion
Right Interior of the 2017 temporary Serpentine Gallery annual Summer Pavilion in Kensington Gardens, London, as designed by Francis Kere.
Sumele Adelana Product Specialist, Trimble SketchUp
Can you pinpoint the thought, whether yours or someone else’s that led you to a career in design?
I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and I remember the moment my family moved into a new home. T e play of light and shadow in the entry way was dramatic. Perforated bricks cast dramatic shadows and kept the space very cool which created a strong contrast from the bright, hot outdoors. T e overall aesthetics and respite stayed with me and made me think that I would love to be able to do this for others. So that was where my journey kicked off . I was decent at both science and art, and my dad was in the creative fi eld. It just made sense that I would leverage both of those strengths and architecture seemed to be the happy marriage between those two.
In terms of the design and architecture industry, what do you consider the most radical era or pivotal moment?
I think there are multiple points in the history of architecture that stand out for me, typically because of the back stories threaded through the history. T e Viennese Secession was one of the ones I found interesting. In addition to a pull back from the traditional approach to decoration and adornment of buildings, this group of artists, designers and architects questioned the tension between commerce and art. T at battle still rages today, and it is essential to balance both factors with a focus
on sustainable, generous design that serves individuals, society and the wider world. On aesthetics, decades on, even the most stoic designers add a unique contribution and quirk to their projects.
Which radical thinkers have been inspirations to you in your career? A few individuals have been beacons for me throughout my career as a designer. In particular, Francis Kere, who is from Burkina Faso but is based in Germany. His beautiful projects deliver architectural excellence within their unique context. T e materiality of his projects and how they are constructed means that they’re sustainable and impact the local economy. Kere takes his global mindset and returns home to deliver these stunning projects that are world-class, always using local materials and collaborating with local craftspeople. It’s wonderful to see African architecture being celebrated.
Who outside the industry can architects and designers learn from? T at’s an interesting one. Well, humans in general! Most of the work we create is for humans. T ere are lots of things that connect us, but there are also lots of things that make our experiences distinct – age, gender, worldview and location. Good architecture requires a nuanced understanding of what it means to be human, how we experience the
RON ELLIS /
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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