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Right Ildefons Cerdà’s grid-like design for the expansion of Barcelona epitomises the rise of urbanism


FX TALKS


RADICAL THINKING


With a keen eye for innovation in design from an early age, Federica Buricco implements progressive ideals in her work as senior associate at CallisonRTKL leading large-scale developments


Federica Buricco CallisonRTKL


Can you pinpoint the thought, whether yours or someone else’s, that led you to a career in design?


Looking back, I can’t really remember a time in my life when I wasn’t drawing. It was a pursuit that gave me great enjoyment and from an early age gained me praise from my peers, teachers and family. Although I would experiment with different styles and media, I had a recurring fascination with imagining and illustrating new ‘spaces.’ A telling indicator, perhaps, of the career I was destined to embark on.


In terms of the design and architecture industry, what do you consider the most radical era or pivotal moment? Te late nineteenth century remains a period that always captivated me. Here, the focus of many designers turned to cities and we saw the rise of urbanism as a discipline – the exploration of the relationship between the built environment and its inhabitants. It is also during that time that Spanish architect and humanist Ildefons Cerdà came up with a radical expansion plan for Barcelona, creating a grid-like district outside the city’s old walls. 200 years later, I feel that we are in the midst of a pivotal moment again – we’re finally appreciating the impact of the built environment on the human experience and the planet and we are collectively taking greater accountability for this.


Which radical thinkers have been inspirations to you in your career? I have always been inspired by Jan Ghel, the Danish architect and urban design consultant based in Copenhagen. He pointed out that the Modern Movement created a focus on the design of singular buildings at the expense of a cohesive urban environment, ultimately creating fragmented streetscapes with underutilised areas. Rather than becoming places that tell the story of our neighbourhoods and our cities, or providing a canvas for human interaction, they have instead become an afterthought. Realising the true potential of the space in-between buildings means directing, or rather redirecting, efforts towards the design of our social places and the optimisation of our community assets.


Who are the radical thinkers who inspire you now? (Not necessarily forever or for a lifetime – just now!)


Alejandro Aravena, the Chilean architect known for his socially conscious building projects that attempt to break down economic inequality in urban areas, has always inspired me. He promotes the concept of incremental buildings, whereby buildings are appended or improved by owners over time, allowing citizens to take control of the regeneration progress.


TISH11 / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM


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