Architecture News

"Caçador de Geometries" (Geometry Hunter), a short film helmed by Matilda Vidal de Llobatera and produced by Simon, casts the spotlight on Les Feixes, an often-overlooked brutalist residential structure situated in L'Estartit on Spain's Costa Brava. This cinematic work not only serves as a visual ode to architectural design but also inaugurates the sixth annual Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize. This distinguished award uniquely recognizes architectural endeavors through the medium of video, emphasizing the lived experience within these spaces. Curated by the Fundació Mies van der Rohe since its inception in 2016, the prize's call for entries is now active, with its tenth anniversary coinciding with Barcelona's designation as the 2026 World Capital of Architecture.

Constructed in the 1970s under the vision of architect Josep Maria Pla i Torras, Les Feixes was initially conceived as a shared summer retreat for a collective of friends and their families seeking coastal respite. Pla's design, influenced by his encounters with the works of architectural luminaries such as Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright during a trip to the United States, courageously tackled a challenging, steeply sloped site overlooking the sea. The resulting edifice is strikingly unconventional, characterized by a cluster of hexagonal modules that evoke the intricate structure of a beehive. These modules are enveloped by expansive terraces, designed to seamlessly integrate natural light, the surrounding landscape, and the elements of nature into each dwelling throughout the day, creating a dynamic and immersive living environment.

Matilda Vidal de Llobatera, who previously garnered the Best Audiovisual Narrative award for "Quinze Decibels" at the preceding edition of the prize, masterfully transforms the geometric forms of Les Feixes into the emotional epicenter of an imagined narrative. This film recounts the journey of an inhabitant whose initial rigid preference for straight lines and pure forms gradually evolves into an appreciation for curves and organic shapes. Drawing parallels with Wes Anderson's distinctive visual aesthetic, the film depicts this character's growing awareness of mathematical structures inherent in nature, from avian wings to fractal botanicals. The regular hexagon emerges as a pivotal symbol, representing order, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, bridging the worlds of insects and architecture. The film culminates in a poignant contrast between the initial obsession with linear precision and a newfound fascination with curvilinear beauty, celebrating the harmonious fusion of deliberate design and untamed natural splendor. The building itself transcends its function as mere backdrop, becoming an active muse for this visual exploration of architectural principles, human perception, and the profound experience of inhabiting space.

The film's unveiling took place on May 27th, coinciding with the launch of the prize at La Casa de la Llum, an exhibition space located within Simon's corporate headquarters in Barcelona. The current call for entries for the Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize is open until September 14th, inviting submissions from European countries, Mexico, Brazil, and, for the first time, Morocco. Participants can choose between two categories: "Personal Places" and "Collective Places," submitting their projects through the official website. This year's esteemed jury, led by Fernanda Canales and including Benjamín Iborra of Mesura, Sesi Bergeret, Wojciech Mazan of RZUT and PROLOG, and Salvi Plaja, Global Chief Design Officer at Simon, will select five finalists from each category. Ultimately, two winners will be chosen, each receiving a prize of €10,000 and a unique trophy crafted from volcanic basalt by designer Andreu Carulla.

The Living Places – Simon Architecture Prize stands as a singular platform that utilizes video to delve into architectural projects, offering insights from the perspectives of those who live in, interact with, and experience these spaces. Since its establishment in 2016, the prize has attracted a remarkable number of submissions, with over 750 projects from architectural firms spanning more than 34 countries. The previous edition saw Kontigo by Manuel Cervantes Estudio in Acapulco recognized in the "Personal Places" category, while Coconut Harvester Center by Estudio Flume in Maranhão, Brazil, was honored in the "Collective Places" category, underscoring the award's global reach and diverse recognition of architectural excellence.

The Namibe Cinema-Studio, erected on the Angolan coast in 1973, stood for many years as an architectural enigma. Despite its intended role as a film exhibition space, the structure remained dormant and neglected, never fulfilling its initial purpose. Yet, against all odds, this building persevered, evolving into a distinguished symbol within the Angolan architectural landscape, finally showcasing its inaugural film nearly five decades later. Its striking and unique design played a crucial role in maintaining its relevance, proving that exceptional architecture can imbue a project with meaning, even without immediate functional use.

For many years, the question lingered: what allowed this edifice to retain such a powerful presence in the collective consciousness? Perhaps it was precisely its audacious and distinctive architectural form that provided profound significance to a project that initially lacked a defined function. The building's survival and eventual activation highlight the enduring power of design and its capacity to inspire, even when practical utility is delayed.

The journey of the Namibe Cinema-Studio is a testament to the idea that true architectural value extends beyond immediate functionality. It demonstrates that buildings can possess an inherent ability to inspire and captivate, becoming integral to a region's identity through their sheer aesthetic and structural prowess. This story emphasizes that preserving and re-envisioning such landmarks is vital for cultural heritage and future generations.