#collagearchitecture

2020 - Project along with Arch. Sofia Marten. La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina Status: In Process

Renovation of one bedroom apartment (60m2) located in La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina. The main idea was to create a open common social area for living room and kitchen, using a wood wall to achieve visual harmony in the space.

Our focus in the design was to create with classical architectural elements, as the arc, a clear language and also to maximize the small spaces. Choosing for a neutral color palette that plays with green and light pink tones.

Collage of different threads weaving through the city fabric

Collage architecture allows architects to weave narratives that transcend conventional verbal expression. It emerges as a potent medium for expressing abstract ideas within the architectural realm. A collage is the fusion of disparate fragments into a unified composition imbuing it with a new, collective meaning. This method offers architects the ability to layer stories within their designs, utilizing a structuralist notion to create cohesion from diversity.

Through the juxtaposition of materials and scenes collage architecture breathes life into spaces, each element contributing to a larger narrative. In this way, collage serves as a visual language and becomes a means of storytelling, where the built environment becomes a canvas for expressing the complexities of identity in a globalized world. By harnessing the power of art, collage architecture fosters a dialogue between form and meaning, shaping spaces that resonate with the richness of human experience.

However it also raises questions about coherence and functionality. The emphasis on layering narratives and disparate fragments could lead to a lack of clarity or functionality in design. Additionally, the subjective nature of interpretation may result in spaces that are challenging for users to understand. Moreover, sustainability and lack of longevity of collage architecture can be concerning. Furthermore the reliance solely on artistic expression in collage architecture could overshadow practical considerations such as structural integrity or building regulations. Perhaps thats where the skill of the architect-artist comes in? Overall, while collage architecture offers a unique approach to architectural expression, it has to be used with nuance and faces criticism regarding its coherence, functionality, and long-term viability.

What do you read in this collage of an apartment building in the heart of historic Antwerp, Belgium? Comment below