For the final task of this unit we had to conduct an interview with an experienced designer coming from a contemporary field of design. A person who truly inspires me is a local architect, Steve Scicluna. After graduating from the University of Malta with a Bachelors degree and masters in Built Environment studies and Architectural Design, he started working with Martin Xuereb and Associates (a well known architectural firm in Malta) although he does some independent work as well for clients and also intends to open his own business soon. According to Steve, in order for one to come up with a good design, one must start with a good brief; an understanding of the use or the people using this specific space or furniture. This, combined with inspiration specifically targeted for a specific space, then come up with ideas which make sense spatially and aesthetically but most importantly, which address the client’s needs. As regards to style he describes his approach to design in three words; Minimal, Functional and Truth to Material which reminded me of many famous architects that I mentioned in other blog posts especially contemporary ones. This concept inspired me to come up with the model design for another Unit. Below are some photos of parts of the model where I kept in mind the three words when working on the project. There are a couple of architects/designers that have inspired him during the years. The three that have most affected his way of thinking are Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe and Tadao Ando. I myself am quite familiar with two of the architects since I have done some research on them already although Tadao Ando was a new name to me. Tadao Ando was a Japanese architect who started his career on a totally different path and decided he would teach himself architecture becoming one of the greatest contemporary architects. Frank Loyd WrightLudwig Mies Van Der RoheTadao AltoBeing involved in a vast range of projects ranging from hotels to residential to restoration, the architect gave up most importance to every single one of them. Although Steve doesn't mind working on big projects, he prefers working on small ones where he is in control of everything starting with architectural / structural design, ending up with interior design / finishing & detailing of the project. One of the projects of his is a small house where according to the client's requirements, which were met in such a small and compact space. It was a textbook example in which form follows function. The project was featured in a local magazine ‘Homeworks’ Issue 74. What I like the most about this architect is that any idea he comes up with he tries anything and everything to make it happen even if it requires him building it himself. The two examples below show two designs from the bathroom of the Tree house which I wrote about before. After comping up with the idea and brainstorming, he draws up plan and elevation on CAD, gathers the materials needed and starts building it piece by piece. If needed he calls in someone who is familiar with working on these materials such as concrete or pluming and continues the work from there. Then finally he finishes it off and installs it into the fitting or space allocated. When looking at different spaces and interiors, what first catches the eye is the harmony and proportion in which the space, building or piece of furniture fits in its surroundings. If it fits well and is delivering an idea which makes sense, then it feels correct. Second most important thing is the media used (material, textures, etc....) followed by good detailing. REFERENCES
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