This is part of our coverage on Archifest 08, produced in collaboration with SA magazine. For a more detailed coverage of Archifest 08, check out issue #247 of SA Magazine with articles written by our very own FFW writers. Also, For more, check out www.fivefootway.com/tag/archifest.
Despite presenting his works in his non-native language, established Spanish architect, Fernando Menis, still effortlessly charms the audience with his architectural works. Menis’ work conveys a sense of tension and energy, negotiating the seemingly conflicting relationship between the built form and the landscape in an effortless manner. This is perhaps a reflection of an architect who truly believes that every building is inextricably intertwined with the site where it is located.
Menis has always felt it essential for designers to think carefully about the environment, something which he emphasized a lot in his presentation during the Archifest 08 Forum. To him, the importance of striking a balance between the human desire and the environment isn’t something new but rather something that is becoming more necessary given today’s context.
Context is everything
When one looks at Menis’ works for the very first time, one would tend to associate his works with terms such as landscape sculpture, texture exploration and symbolism. However, the building is merely the architectural resultant of a design and construction processes instead of being the design intention itself. Like the person Menis referenced numerous times during the forum -“Le Corbusier, Le Corbusier, Le Corbusier†– he is very much concerned about understanding the space, its users and everything related to the site. Ultimately, his designs revolve around creating interactions between his building and the environment, both man-made and natural. This results in an architectural design which is unique to its context, standing within a community where design decisions are caused and at the same time affecting the surroundings.
Architect + People= Architecture
Menis believes in “thinking like a local architectâ€. This means finding out as much as possible, about the place, its history, culture, landscape and lifestyle and with these information, Menis attempts to design buildings that in some ways, contribute something back to the society and hopefully fulfills some dreams.
“Listen. Listen to the people. Find out about what they want as well as their dreams†– Menis
Unlike others who might prefer to focus on the larger scale; Menis’ research involves more tangible information such as human circulation and behaviour which perhaps provide an explanation to the charm of his works. His works are not just functional buildings but rather, places where people can find their small little dreams and delight within it. In a world filled with spaces that can get rather generic and monotonous, such architecture gives hope by bringing enjoyment and delight to spatial experience.
Inspiration
We then asked Menis which architect inspired him most, he pondered upon the question with the conclusion that it was hard to find an answer. He described, “It is like a dessert. There are many layers, one over another. It is difficult to know which layer is more important. Perhaps it was my father.”
Menis shared with us that his father was interested in model and clock making and as a child, young Menis was taught to make his own toys. That could be the reason why his design process involves more model-making than sketches. Or perhaps as he adds, it might be because he could never sketch well.
And when it comes to giving advice and inspiring younger architects and designers, he quipped,
“Work very hard. Love the work you are doing.â€
For the full interview, see Issue #247 of Singapore Architect Magazine.
