From left Mexican modernist Luis Barragan’s work is notable for wielding a diverse and striking colour palette
that also utilised colour to generate three dimensional compositions. The Salk Institute of Biological Studies,
meanwhile, was designed by Louis Kahn and incorporated poured concrete in a trailblazing way at the time
FX TALKS 049
architect. Where most modernists would steer clear of colour, he didn’t. I love his use of colour as a way of painting three dimensional compositions. Potentially his use of colour and textures is a cultural infusion, but it transcends his locality to communicate a universal joy and vibrance.
Louis Kahn’s Salk Institute of Biological Studies is just so beautiful. It’s in San Diego and looks out onto the sea, and he’s created this symmetry with built forms that frame breathtaking views of the water. His use of poured concrete and wood might not seem radical today, but I’d like to think it was one of the first of many and displays craftsmanship. Te last one is a stunning Art Nouveau staircase by Flemish architect Victor Horta that resembles poured honey. It sits within the Hotel Tassel in Brussels, and was completed in 1894.
I think best with… (e.g. my hands/a pencil/ with a computer)
Definitely my hand and a pencil! Give me a piece of paper to sketch my thoughts out or to draw a mind map then I can bring it together on a computer.
I think best… (e.g. first thing in the morning/ last thing at night)
In the middle of the night. I know it’s cliche, but it’s true. Tose 3am ideas typically end up being brilliant! Sometimes planting the seed of an idea before I go to sleep does the trick.
Could you name two buildings/ pieces of furniture that you consider radical designs of their time, or perhaps still to this day? Tere are so many but by way of a shortlist I would say, I really enjoy the work of Luis Barragan who is a Mexican modernist
I think best when… (e.g. in a gallery/at home/ outside/over drinks/with friends/on the bus) Tat’s a good question. I think I think best whilst in conversation, anywhere really!
Te thought that keeps me up at night is… How am I making an impact? Whether that’s at home or at work. Whatever that looks like in the world.
Te thought that gets me out of bed each day is…
Let each day pay homage to the vision and my purpose. And if you’re stuck procrastinating or in bed down with a huge dose of inertia, how can you make it happen? One small step gets you closer to the vision.
Do you like to think with, or think against? Both. Because both hold value. One side will win out but each will be much more sturdy because you’ve thought through the other.
If you weren’t a designer/architect, where do you think your way of thinking would have led you?
Such a good question! I don’t think my way of thinking would have evolved in the way it has if I didn’t study or think like an architect or a designer. I was either going to be an archeologist, astronaut or a lawyer but I landed on architecture. Ultimately, the best outcome is being able to think creatively and strategically.
Could you describe radical thinking in three words?
Unafraid. Empathetic. Questioning.
What’s the most radical thing you’ve come across today or this week? Giles Tettey Natey’s piece, Interplay, which explores the dialogue between culture, craft and interaction.
Trimble SketchUp, is a 3D design and visualisation tool built for professional creatives. SketchUp is a collaborative, intuitive 3D design and modelling application used by architects and designers internationally. Te applicaton allows users to model efficiently, customise workflows, extend functionality and create stunning 2D–4D deliverables
fxtalks.co.uk
Videos of previous speakers can be viewed at
fxtalks.co.uk
LEFT: ANDREY_POPOV /
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
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