BUILD April 2017 - Architecture Top 50

20 BUILD - Architecture Top 50 / April 2017 , emotion. Whatever the size of the project, what counts are the interaction, passion and the quality of the people working together. Integration of a project entails the ability to endorse the features of the surrounding aesthetics is defined by proportion. An architectural project is worked out while answering a multitude of constraints, the objective to create an environment favourable for human activity. We all know that we do not only live thanks to some proteins which enable us to function: the quality of our life, the power of our memories, the importance of our interpersonal exchanges, the reading of the environment, all these moments trigger emotions. Within the wider industry, we distribute our knowledge and experience by reading books, magazines and websites as well as attending international conferences. We are always searching for details. We are busy creating our own ‘specifications book’, in order to communicate about this with the clients and the builders. Overall aim - definition of the target Integration of the project and of the details into it. Architects create living spaces and work environments. But there is more to their work than meets the eye. Through their work, architects also share a vision of the world. It is herein that lies the dual nature of this noble profession: pragmatism versus creativity. While designing a building according to the requirements of their client, the architect does so with the objective to incorporate beauty into the project. In a way, an architect can be perceived as a painter or a poet. Except that the architect does not start from a blank canvas or a white sheet of paper. The starting point for the architects’ work is the unique environment provided by the plot of land on which the project is to be realised, each time with its specific, on of a kind features. It is precisely the uniqueness of each different location that triggers the creative mind of the architect and challenges him to reconcile the pragmatic requirements of the client with the beauty, uniqueness of the surrounding environment. There are rules aplenty on how to erect a building on a piece of land, but applying them to the letter does not suffice to achieve the objective of reconciling pragmatism with creativity. Four solid walls topped by a reassuring roof no doubt brings promise of home comfort. The indescribable beauty of nature, however, hides elsewhere. So, when architects embark on their journey, they must free themselves from the shackles of everyday conventions. If they allow their imaginations to guide them, the architects’ creations will include a touch of uninhibited, tempestuous chaos. Inspiration will come from a breath of air, like wind blowing away traditions to reveal unknown sensations. At last, the architect is complete. They become artists, genuine ones, capturing in a flash of light the intuition of a world we no longer tend to see. Our successful projects include: • BIFSA – Building Industries of South Africa – RSA; • Dali Museum – Riverside – County Hall – London - England; • ICE – Institute of Italian Exterior Commerce – Italy; • Les Montres Rolex SA – Suisse ; • Région Poitou Charentes – France Rewarded at the Architectural BIFSA Awards – RSA. Some of our awards include the following: • Awarded at the Eric Architectural LION Awards – England’ • Mention in Architectural Belgian Awards – Belgium; • Participation in the international Colloquim ‘Contemporary Architecture’ organised by the Brussels Government in March 2003; • « PRIX DE L’URBANISME 2004 » - Belgium; • Awarded at the Big Mat International Architecture Awards 2013; • Awarded at the International Space Design Awards IDEA- TOPS 2013 – Villa category - Shenzen, China; • Participation in #Infrastructure and Property Development MEA Summit 2014’ - Dubai - United Arab Emirates; • Awarded at the RE- THINKING THE FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2014 - Residential Building Built; • Awarded at the GPAW – Grand Prix d’Architecture de Wallone 2015 with the “House HIFI” and; • Biennale di Venizia 2016, Time Space Existence – AABE exhibition at the Palazzo Mora. At the end of the day, I believe that every single new project is important, whatever the size, whatever is the budget. A new ‘tap’ with CEA Architecture is without limits, starting with the initial design up until the development of the smallest details of an object. Throughout this process, one single objective is kept in mind: eliminate superfluous elements to retain only what is essential. This philosophy has been applied while designing OPUS, a 60-mm cylinder for the hand tap and a narrower model to facilitate the water flow, with no rosette or joystick. The object consists of merely one material, stainless steel. It is a pleasure for the eyes at a first glance, then for the hands after the first touch.” Concluding thoughts I believe that all new projects start from a ‘white page’ and every single new technology is integrated. In terms of the future, I hope for a progression in the quality and results we provide.