Architecture News

Paf Atelier, a Paris-based studio, is redefining architectural and spatial design by prioritizing collective imagination and human emotion. Their innovative approach transcends conventional boundaries, creating environments that are not only visually striking but also deeply resonant. Through a blend of bold geometric forms and profound emotional narratives, the studio aims to inspire new ways of interaction and perception, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary experiences.

Central to Paf Atelier's philosophy is the belief that fresh perspectives and collaborative efforts are essential for generating novel forms in design. Christopher Dessus, the founder, articulates this vision, stating that dreaming with new materials and partnerships is crucial for continuous innovation. The studio’s methodology involves extensive travel, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and engaging in active dialogues beyond typical office settings. This dynamic process enables them to translate complex ideas into tangible landscapes that invite individuals to engage with their surroundings with heightened curiosity and happiness.

Established in 2017, Paf Atelier operates at the intersection of spatial design, scenography, and cultural investigation. Under Dessus's leadership, the firm develops retail spaces, exhibition areas, and temporary installations that harmoniously link architectural structures with human sentiment. They deliberately avoid superfluous ornamentation, instead integrating conceptual thinking with material experimentation to ensure each project possesses a unique purpose and spatial character.

This interdisciplinary approach is further enhanced by Dessus's creative agency, Pli Office, which collaborates with various institutions and artists to ignite new creative energies across the fields of architecture, design, and art. Despite many of their installations being temporary, Paf Atelier commits to achieving enduring cultural significance. They achieve this by combining local production techniques with emerging talents to forge evolving physical environments that adapt and grow over time. Dessus emphasizes that their work is not merely about decoration or creation for its own sake, but about matching emotions with form within the spaces they design.

A core tenet of Paf Atelier's practice is the endeavor to align architectural configurations with human sentiments, thereby converting physical constructs into deeply immersive spatial encounters. Christopher eloquently explains the paradox of designing tangible structures to evoke intangible feelings, asserting that true dreaming involves being an integral part of the dream itself. This vision seeks to cultivate an ambiance where visitors are fully immersed, allowing them to dream within the created environment.

This guiding principle permeates all facets of their diverse projects, including temporary cultural interventions like 'Cinema for Dreams,' a collaboration with designboom for Milan Design Week 2026. In this installation, the Parisian studio artfully blurs conventional spatial divisions, integrating screens and seating into fluid architectural forms that completely envelop visitors. Such thoughtfully designed spaces encourage contemplation and foster genuine connections, providing tranquil interludes within the bustling urban fabric. Paf Atelier effectively demonstrates how spatial design can cultivate optimism and inspire novel possibilities, enriching the human experience.

In essence, Paf Atelier distinguishes itself through its dedication to fostering environments that stimulate collective imagination and resonate emotionally. Their projects, ranging from temporary installations to permanent structures, consistently push the boundaries of design by merging innovative forms with a profound understanding of human experience. By engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration and emphasizing long-term cultural relevance, the studio creates spaces that invite participation, reflection, and a renewed appreciation for the built environment. This unique approach transforms architectural design into a powerful medium for inspiration and connection, underscoring the vital role of creativity in shaping our physical and emotional landscapes.

In the heart of Spain's La Rioja region, a remarkable architectural endeavor has breathed new life into an ancient rock-cut complex. The Peña de las Bodegas, nestled in Albelda de Iregua, stands as a testament to historical utility and modern preservation. Architect Sergio Rojo has spearheaded the intricate restoration of this two-level complex, carved directly from the distinctive, clay-rich salagón stone. The project focused on harmonizing the site's rich past, which includes periods as burial grounds, livestock shelters, and hermitic residences linked to the nearby Monastery of San Martín, with contemporary accessibility and functionality. The restoration prioritizes minimal intervention, utilizing dry construction methods and reversible timber structures to honor the original craftsmanship while making the unique subterranean spaces safe and engaging for visitors.

Revitalizing History: Peña de las Bodegas Complex Transformed

Nestled within the captivating landscape of Albelda de Iregua, La Rioja, architect Sergio Rojo has completed a transformative rehabilitation of the historic Peña de las Bodegas rock-cut complex. This site, steeped in history, is part of a larger collection of excavated spaces located between Peña Salagona and Peña de las Bodegas. Historically, the caverns served diverse functions, from ancient burial sites to shelters for livestock, and later, as secluded monastic dwellings associated with the venerable Monastery of San Martín. Locally, the complex is affectionately known as the 'Scriptorium,' a nod to the famed Codex Vigilanus, or Codex Albeldensis, believed to have originated from the monastery's scholarly environs. The architecture itself is a study in subtraction rather than addition, shaped by the careful removal of the indigenous salagón stone, a clay-rich material characteristic of the region's cliffs. The design features a grand external access area that offers panoramic vistas of the valley and the natural passage to the Cameros region. Internally, the complex unfolds across two distinct levels, seamlessly connected by meticulously crafted stairs. Two elongated ventilation shafts, known locally as 'zarceras' or 'tuferas,' further distinguish this unique example of La Rioja's excavated winery architecture.

Sergio Rojo's approach to the rehabilitation was guided by a profound respect for the existing rock-cut structure. The intervention introduces a select number of new elements, meticulously integrated to complement rather than overpower the ancient fabric. An inviting outdoor area, complete with benches, has been created to serve as a communal gathering spot. Inside, the ancient stone surfaces have been carefully cleaned, enhancing the legibility of the excavated spaces and allowing their inherent beauty to shine. A striking backlit floating timber floor now guides visitors through the depths of the complex, while existing openings on the western rock face have been thoughtfully reconfigured to maximize the influx of natural light, illuminating the intricate details of the carved interior. Crucially, the restoration exclusively employed dry construction systems and meticulously avoided the use of concrete and cement. This conscious decision ensures the reversibility of all new work, preserving the authenticity of the excavated architecture for future generations. The primary material palette harmoniously blends new timber elements with the existing stone, forging a connection between past and present and highlighting the timeless beauty of this remarkable Spanish heritage site.

This project stands as a shining example of how architectural intervention can respectfully intertwine with historical preservation. It reminds us that sometimes, the most impactful designs are those that highlight and celebrate what already exists, rather than imposing entirely new forms. The careful choice of reversible materials and methods offers a valuable lesson in sustainable heritage management, ensuring that these ancient spaces can continue to evolve and inspire without losing their intrinsic character. It encourages a dialogue between the old and the new, demonstrating that innovation can be found in reverence for the past.