How did you get into architecture?
I grew up in the European capitals of Brussels and Paris, where my parents are from. It was then that I learned to handle steel, concrete, stone, wood, etc. When I was 16, I decided that I wanted to be an architect. I studied in six diff erent schools of architecture during the six years of my education, from Brussels to Paris to London and Los Angeles; finally getting my degree from the Bartlett Architecture School in London.
What kind of projects are your forte?
I would say that my work is an exploration of diversity. I’ve made projects in over 40 different countries. I’m best at proposing relevant solutions to actual issues and difficult contexts. I’m not interested in aesthetics, but in creating active responses to problems. My background has given me a good capacity at generating socially active responses to complex urban environments.
Which is you favourite project?
I think I like each of my realised work for diff erent reasons: the ski-jump off ers a financial and environmental answer to the creation of a national icon in Norway. The Iceberg off ers a permeable solution to a waterfront housing problem, allowing everyone a view to the sea, including our neighbours. The Maison Stephane Hessel allows three age groups to live together in one building surrounding a common
courtyard. There’s always a social agenda to all my projects.
Where do you derive your inspiration from?
From the context and the city as a whole. I don’t have architectural idols. There are plenty of architects whom I respect, but I mostly care about single projects from each of them. Never their entire body of work.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
I think I would name three of them that I think are equally meaningful – the mountain dwelling was a project to counter the planning of a site dedicated to a parking building; the ski-jump was a tour de force in all aspects. It was nearly impossible to make it on time and on budget for the world championship in Ski jumping; the Shenzhen Logistic City is the biggest project we have ever designed. It is 1,111 meters tall. These three designs are very close to my heart.
What do you view as your lasting responsibility as an architect?
To care. If we care, we go through life with eyes wide open and are able to understand the needs that surround us. As an architect, we hardly ever do something for ourselves – so, it’s capital to
have a great level of empathy and welcome society’s needs with open arms.
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