VISION
I firmly believe that architecture can make the world a better place. As architects, we have the responsibility to address today’s environmental, social, and economic challenges by designing inspiring and engaging spaces that can motivate people to improve the world. We must comprehend and take care of the character of places where we design, much like parents care for their children, striving to rediscover a sense of place that comes from the distinctiveness of each environment, whether natural or cultural. We must respect and learn from nature, history, and technology. In doing so, we will protect cultures, preserve nature, and ensure a sustainable future for generations and species.
ON SPACE, PLACE, AND LANDSCAPE
I have always been fascinated by the relationship between humans and the environment. I soon realized that architecture serves as a bridge between the two. My initial theoretical projects, which I called ‘archi-textures’, were focused on understanding the connection between humans and space, a fundamental aspect of architecture. I discovered that space is an abstract framework used by humans to control physical reality, going beyond the analysis of specific places. Therefore, space acts as a filter, a conceptual mediator between humans and places. After broadening my understanding of space, I shifted my focus to the concept of place, transitioning from a knowledge based on human environmental perception, physiology, and psychology to a knowledge rooted in anthropological, social, and geographical interactions between humans and places. I learned that place is where physical, biological, sociocultural, and symbolic processes manifest and continually evolve. Following this, my interest in the concept of place expanded to encompass the ideas of landscape and nature. For me, this transition represented a conceptual shift from a human-centered relationship with the environment to a holistic, bio-centric perspective, where all organisms and their physical environment are significant due to their interdependence. This also reflected a move towards a global, systemic perspective, recognizing that only the positive coevolution of natural and cultural systems can significantly influence how we shape our future.
ARCHITECTURE: SPACE, PLACE, AND MATTER
Space and place are the primary tools of expression for an architect; they even come before matter. Matter in architecture is like a mould or container: it gives a shape to space, which is an abstract and intangible medium. Simultaneously, matter modifies places and their ambience – i.e., ‘the spirit of a place’. Therefore, architecture mainly operates indirectly, acting on matter to shape space and modify the spirit of a place, both of which are ephemeral concepts. While space is typically designed for human needs and purposes, place also considers the environment and its processes. That means we should conceive of the concept of place as complementary to space, together bridging reality between the concrete and the abstract, and between body and mind.
DEFINITION
Architecture creates spaces and modifies places for dwelling.
UNVEILING THE NATURE OF PLACES
I am always interested in understanding the nature of a place whenever I start a project. Architecture and planning should reveal the deep connections between the culture of people and their unique environment. This involves a comprehensive investigation of the physicochemical, biological, ecological, sociocultural and symbolic aspects of a place. How was the physical setting formed and why has it its current topography? Which fundamental geological, hydrological, and meteorological processes occurred to create and modify that topography? When did plant life emerge and how did it influence on the distribution of animals? How many changes occurred in the natural habitat before human colonization? Moving on to the social and cultural layers of a place: When did the first human settlements appear? What significant historical events contributed to the development of a community, the evolution of economies, the customs and traditions of the inhabitants, including cultural events, celebrations, festivals, and other symbolic occurrences? Does the current spatial organization of a place support or hinder its various physical, biological, ecological, sociocultural and symbolic processes? Finally: how can architecture and planning enhance or integrate these conditions? These are the types of questions that architects should ask and address to comprehensively understand the nature of place as a complex system of processes.