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GLIMPSES

Designing on and from the landscape. In conversation with Studio Schicketanz

GLIMPSES

Keywords:

Interviews , Sustainability , Nature , Landscape
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The landscape as the starting point of the project, from which to draw visual and material inspiration, is the element that best denotes the creative vision of the full-service architecture, interior design, and consultancy firm Studio Schicketanz. This approach, so deeply philosophical, is expressed in a connection with the territory that has many declinations. In the first place, it emerges from the most recurring inspirations for the projects, namely the masterpieces of land artists such as Donald Judd, Andy Goldsworthy and Michael Heizer. Secondly, it is expressed by the desire to go beyond the general rules for sustainability with a pioneering commitment that counts several records, including that of having designed the first LEED certified projects in Big Sur and in Carmel by the Sea. Last but not least, Studio Schicketanz is personally committed with land use analysis and feasibility studies in some areas of research for the conservation of the natural habitat. These and other themes have been the focus of our conversation with Nicole Clapman, Principal Interior Designer at Studio Schicketanz.

Coastlands House, Big Sur, California, Studio Schicketanz <br />Image copyright: @Bob Canfield
Coastlands House, Big Sur, California, Studio Schicketanz
Image copyright: @Bob Canfield
Coastlands House, Big Sur, California, Studio Schicketanz <br />Image copyright: @Bob Canfield
Coastlands House, Big Sur, California, Studio Schicketanz
Image copyright: @Bob Canfield

Your projects are the result of a philosophical approach to landscape, interior design and architecture. What are the defining lines of such philosophical approach?

What defines our approach to design is the landscape. Whether it is urban or natural, it is always, inevitably, the starting point of our projects. It is precisely from such a base that we begin to design and build a structural dress that complements the landscape. Therefore, it is not only the visual and material inspiration, but also the foundation on which we build. The area surrounding the plan thus provides the initial data for subsequent developments. Then, when work starts, all decisions are guided by the original concept for the project, as well as by the vision resulting from our creative thinking and that of the customer.

Your vision of living spaces is based on the holistic principle. What does holism mean to you and how does it translate into practice? 

We care about our spaces being healthy, both internally and externally, physically and emotionally. Accordingly, from a physical point of view, we focus on the use of non-toxic materials, with the exclusion of VOCs, namely the volatile organic compounds. In terms of emotions, we tend to incorporate much natural light into our interiors. Then, we also focus on spatial design and colors, which definitely play a central role in this.

Mal Paso Residence, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz <br />Image copyright: @Tim Griffith
Mal Paso Residence, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz
Image copyright: @Tim Griffith
Mal Paso Residence, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz <br />Image copyright: @Tim Griffith
Mal Paso Residence, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz
Image copyright: @Tim Griffith

If you were to identify with an architecture movement, what would it be and why?

We would definitely identify with Modernism as it was the first movement not bound by classical measures and proportions. In fact, it is mentioned as the first case in which the narrow field of the visible was removed and the landscape and the natural environment began to penetrate into the architecture. This is how we saw the rise of full-height glass structures, slender metal shapes overhanging the city, combinations of openings and closures, aimed at enhancing the simplicity, lightness and linearity of the figures that nature offers. 

Today a more sustainable architecture is made possible also thanks to a series of regulations. What actions do you take, even beyond these regulations? 

For every part of our projects we want to go beyond the current environmental regulations. Focusing on the analysis of elements such as fire, water and carbon, our effort is aimed at overcoming current regulations. One of the great focuses of the study is to minimize the carbon footprint on each project starting from research on alternative materials. 

Tehama House, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz <br />Image copyright: @Joe Fletcher
Tehama House, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz
Image copyright: @Joe Fletcher
Tehama House, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz <br />Image copyright: @Joe Fletcher
Tehama House, Carmel, California, Studio Schicketanz
Image copyright: @Joe Fletcher

What inspirations from other fields not stricly related to design and architecture complement your design model? How important is multidisciplinarity in the contemporary re-definition of architecture? 

Among the inspirations that have most influence on our work I would mention the Land Art, and in particular Donald Judd, Andy Goldsworthy and Michael Heizer. Also in terms of interior design, we like to work with different disciplines as we feel that they enrich our vision. Therefore, we often appeal to ceramics experts, glass artists and carpenters to work on specific areas and furnishings.

Among your expertise we read "land use analysis and feasibility studies of properties within the central coast of California". What are the most interesting recent findings in this area? 

Many of the environmental regulations that focus on protecting habitats are in conflict with fire safety directives. Fire safety requires, as we know, several operations on the soil and the cutting of trees. Instead, habitat restoration requires conservation because it aims at keeping everything intact. This is a direct conflict and solving it is one of our challenges.

Nicole Clapman <br/> Principal Interior Designer at Studio Schicketanz
Nicole Clapman
Principal Interior Designer at Studio Schicketanz
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