Howard J. Backen cautions against believing the stereotype. “It’s a misconception,” he says, “that an architect’s ego should overwhelm the work. In actual practice, a vital part of any successful project is the collaborative architect-client relationship.”
Northern California-based Backen Gillam Architects (a 40-person firm he leads with his partner, James Gillam) adheres to a design philosophy based on siting a building in harmony with nature and in accordance with the client’s goals.
“I’m interested only in making happen what a particular project wants to happen. I take all the factors involved—the clients’ thoughts and living patterns, site, location, budget—and they tell me what to do. There are no preconceived notions.”
Coop Himmelb(l)au’s BMW delivery center in Munich is, marvels Giovannini, “a huge building supported by a funneling column that looks like a tornado. It rivals the Guggenheim in Bilbao in sheer spectacle and intelligence.”
For those wooden furnishings fans out there, I have something for you. The Ocho House in the Santa Lucia Mountains, California, doesn’t look like a lodge but thanks to its extremely cozy arrangements it does make you feel like living in one.
The interior seems large because of the large windows and the tall ceilings, but comfortable at the same time thanks to the materials and colors used : butter beige, white, natural wood, dark brown and black.
What I like most? The wooden staircases, the huge door and the living room view down the valley. You?
But more than the wooden inspiration this is a highly sustainable house that uses overhanging green walls and a smart solar roof. That’s the reason it got the green Energy and Sustainability Honor award from the American Institute of Architects.
