Architecture News

“The House of Memories” represents a harmonious convergence of past and present, a dwelling that embraces contemporary demands while meticulously preserving the essence of cherished family legacies. This architectural endeavor, meticulously conceived by Studio Lagom, is situated on a generous 165 by 55-foot parcel of land within the verdant landscape of Valsad, India. The city's picturesque surroundings, replete with agricultural expanses and serene lotus ponds, are thoughtfully woven into the home's narrative, enhancing its contextual resonance.

Studio Lagom's Vision: Crafting an Inclusive Future in Valsad

The genesis of this remarkable residence lies in the transformation of an older family dwelling, a rambling structure boasting 22 rooms that also served as a professional space, accompanied by a small well. This prior abode, acquired from a Parsi gentleman, was characterized by its beautiful wooden furnishings. However, its spatial arrangement, marked by numerous diminutive rooms, presented challenges in terms of usability and accessibility. With the advancing age of family members, and in particular, the imperative to accommodate a physically challenged individual, the need for a modern, universally accessible design became profoundly evident and urgent. The project was conceived to address these evolving requirements, culminating in its completion in 2025. Studio Lagom, the esteemed architects behind this creation, collaborated with a diverse team of specialists including Hardik Shah, Krishna Kapadia, Madhavi Gumasana, and Sweta Gajiwala Doriwala for the design. The structural integrity was overseen by Rathi Consortium, while Studio Roots and Hemali Landscape Studio crafted the surrounding natural beauty. Construction was diligently carried out by Desai Construction, with Burhanali Shaikh (Bhai Bhai Contractor) managing plumbing, Nitin Patel handling electrical work, and Vishwakarma Furniture providing bespoke carpentry. Mortar Construction ensured impeccable flooring, and Bhupendra Thakur (Surat Painter) added the finishing touches. Sai Shyam Engineering handled fabrication, and Samir Wadekar led the interior decoration, all contributing to this 12,000 sq ft masterpiece in Valsad.

The creation of 'The House of Memories' offers profound insights into the dynamic interplay between heritage and contemporary living. It underscores the critical importance of designing spaces that not only adapt to evolving needs but also honor the sentimental value embedded in a family's history. This project serves as a compelling reminder that architecture can be a powerful vessel for preserving memories while simultaneously forging new ones, all within an environment that prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and a deep connection to its surroundings. It challenges us to consider how our living spaces can both reflect our past and facilitate a more inclusive future.

"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.