18-05-2020

Architecture, the pandemic and the future of design: Stéphane Rasselet - Naturehumaine

In only a few months, everything has changed completely. Even the world of architecture. In search of possible new scenarios, Floornature opens the discussion of a new approach to design for a time of public health emergency, publishing a series of interviews with architects all over the world.
How are the big studios organising their work, and what has been the impact of the current situation on smaller architectural practices?
What does it mean to design infrastructure, cultural centres and living spaces while avoiding social contact?
Might the resilience we seek in buildings also be applicable to the profession of architect?
Here are the architects’ responses, some in text form and others in videos, in the usual style of our portal.

Other photos...

1. How did your firm handle the lockdown?

All employees (6) are working from home except for myself (Stéphane Rasselet) the owner of the firm. I come in the office every morning from 8h30 to 1h30 to follow up with everyone through DISCORD and FaceTime. Meetings with clients are made through ZOOM and SKYPE.

2. What new forms of work are you experimenting with and how about the results?

ZOOM and DISCORD. Everyone is connected through our main server at the office. What remains a difficulty is all communications with the cities about construction permits that remain on hold.

3. How do you think this experience will affect the future management of an architectural practice?

For sure I think that firms will adopt more flexible ways of working. But we must not forget that close human interactions will always be necessary for exchanging ideas with coworkers but also with clients. Otherwise I am hoping that people will realize that the living environment of a house is crucial to the wellbeing of individuals after having spent so much time inside their homes, and that will bring more people to reach out to professionals to think about their everyday life living spaces.

GALLERY