12 / 11 / 2021
Ricardo Bak Gordon sees the architect as the maestro of an orchestra who, amid moments of certainty and doubt, constantly forges ahead to give the best of himself through this discipline.
Interpreting spaces be they public or private, with the constant aim of improving their quality of use. This is the methodology defining the Bak Gordon studio and its founding architect, whom we meet in this edition.
Patrícia Ramos: When did you realise that architecture would have to be part of your journey?
Ricardo Bak Gordon: I don't know exactly how to answer that question, but I do remember that at the age of 15, I became aware of being interested in some constructed spaces and, from that point on, I decided to go to the António Arroio Artistic School to continue my studies. I would say that was the starting point.
PR: Do you have a preference for a particular type of project (residential, public, industrial, etc)?
RBG: I think all project programmes can be interesting. Architecture is a (subjective) equation and, in that sense, what I find most stimulating is the identification of its ingredients, the variables and the way we try to respond to them. It's true that we get great satisfaction from seeing how a new place can significantly improve the lives of the people who use it.
PR: From the perspective of your practice, what do you find most challenging: starting a project from scratch or starting with a pre-existing building and rehabilitating it?
RBG: That's a very interesting question. Looking back at all my work, it's obvious that there are more projects and works built from scratch than renovations. I don't think this has been a conscious decision. I'm very interested in renovation projects and activities. I see architecture as an exercise in synthesis and, in that sense, I remember some renovations in which it was more important to subtract than to add things. Sometimes, in order to restore the best qualities of a place, it is necessary to subtract from them. Take away what has been added over the course of time. And, in many instances, we end up being pleas- ant surprised.
Patrícia Ramos: When did you realise that architecture would have to be part of your journey?
Ricardo Bak Gordon: I don't know exactly how to answer that question, but I do remember that at the age of 15, I became aware of being interested in some constructed spaces and, from that point on, I decided to go to the António Arroio Artistic School to continue my studies. I would say that was the starting point.
PR: Do you have a preference for a particular type of project (residential, public, industrial, etc)?
RBG: I think all project programmes can be interesting. Architecture is a (subjective) equation and, in that sense, what I find most stimulating is the identification of its ingredients, the variables and the way we try to respond to them. It's true that we get great satisfaction from seeing how a new place can significantly improve the lives of the people who use it.
PR: From the perspective of your practice, what do you find most challenging: starting a project from scratch or starting with a pre-existing building and rehabilitating it?
RBG: That's a very interesting question. Looking back at all my work, it's obvious that there are more projects and works built from scratch than renovations. I don't think this has been a conscious decision. I'm very interested in renovation projects and activities. I see architecture as an exercise in synthesis and, in that sense, I remember some renovations in which it was more important to subtract than to add things. Sometimes, in order to restore the best qualities of a place, it is necessary to subtract from them. Take away what has been added over the course of time. And, in many instances, we end up being pleas- ant surprised.
Casa Azul, Grândola © Francisco Nogueira
Casa Azul, Grândola © Francisco Nogueira
Casa na Foz ©Francisco Nogueira
Casa na Foz ©Francisco Nogueira
Casa na Foz ©Francisco Nogueira
House in Castelo, Lisbon ©Francisco Nogueira
House in Castelo, Lisbon ©Francisco Nogueira
PR: Would you say that the work of an architect involves a lot of meeting, sharing and debating of ideas?
RBG: An architect's work is developed within a very broad spectrum of interactions. It oscillates between a certain intimacy with one- self and the need for coordination and participation with large teams, where everyone is essential to the final outcome of the project. First of all, within the studio itself, where this debate is open from the very beginning. Then, with teams of engineers and consultants, who will have a decisive influence on the qualities of the project. Needless to say, the client, whether private or public, also plays a decisive role in the success of the project it-self, namely if he or she can establish a comfortable level of trust.
I often see the architect's work as that of the maestro of an orchestra. Sometimes working with a small string ensemble and at other times working with a huge symphony orchestra.
RBG: An architect's work is developed within a very broad spectrum of interactions. It oscillates between a certain intimacy with one- self and the need for coordination and participation with large teams, where everyone is essential to the final outcome of the project. First of all, within the studio itself, where this debate is open from the very beginning. Then, with teams of engineers and consultants, who will have a decisive influence on the qualities of the project. Needless to say, the client, whether private or public, also plays a decisive role in the success of the project it-self, namely if he or she can establish a comfortable level of trust.
I often see the architect's work as that of the maestro of an orchestra. Sometimes working with a small string ensemble and at other times working with a huge symphony orchestra.
PLMJ Law Office ©Francisco Nogueira
House in Quelfes @Leonardo Finotti
House in Quelfes @Leonardo Finotti
School Garcia da Orta ©Leonardo Finotti
School Garcia da Orta ©Leonardo Finotti
Auditorium CCB, Belém ©Francisco Nogueira
Mill Oliveira da Serra, Ferreira do Alentejo ©FG+SG - Fernando Guerra
For more information, visit Bak Gordon website.
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