6 December, 2023
The new CULTURES residential building constructed by EPIKYKLOS, in an architectural study by A2 Architects, aims to promote art and culture in the city.
13 October, 2023
Lecture by Pezo von Ellrichshausen in Athens
EPIKYKLOS supported the event, as an official creative partner of the DOMa organization of contemporary architecture, within the framework of the actions of the “EPIKYKLOS Academy of Culture”.
Mauricio Pezo and Sofia von Ellrichshausen, co-founders of the Pezo von Ellrichshausen office, based in Concepción, Chile, attended the Benaki Museum on October 10, holding one of the lectures organized by the contemporary architecture organization DOMa.
The two architects presented their way of thinking and their work, which spans over a period of more than 20 years. The presentation highlighted their complex approach that moves between painting and architecture, to end up with what they themselves call ‘architectural art’. This includes an extensive series of architectural and visual drawings, painting tests, often completed as large-scale independent works, and three-dimensional prototypes in a variety of scales and materials.
Their architecture, as well as their painting, is characterized by the use of typical, neutral shapes, the special management of which – with repetition, axial juxtaposition or deviation, movement of boundaries, variations of scale and proportions, sometimes extreme, etc. – frees them from banality and makes them intensely expressive. They insisted on their equal-neutral treatment of three parameters: the physical context, the operating program, and the material performance.
The architects presented two general categories of works: mostly temporary architectural-scale installations in public space or public interiors, in the context of architectural and other exhibitions around the world, and permanently built works from Chile and Spain. The first ones aspire to direct the gaze towards the city and its monuments, as a whole or by parts. The latter, mainly hybrids of temporary residences and centers of artistic work in untouched remote locations, presented the approach of the two architects to the issues of spatial treatment, material formulation and realization of their works. They chose the barely necessary materials, the processing of which, minimal and rough, incorporates natural wear and tear as an element of architecture.
Projects presented include the early Casa Poli, the Raem, Arco, Cien, Guna, Rode, Gago and Loba residences in various locations in Chile, the Solo House in Matarraña, Spain, the INES Innovation Center in Concepción, Chile, the installations-pavilions Less in Canberra, Australia, Bell and Deci in Paris, 120Doors in Concepción, Mine in Denver, Vara at the 15th Venice Biennale, Echo in Milan, Blue in London, Urban Room in Hull and, of course, the extensive Luna complex House, completed in 2022.
This was followed by a discussion between the two architects with Georgios Panetsos, curator of the DOMa organization, and questions from the audience.
(SOURCE: DOMa)
Photos: Babis Louizidis
