Private View

dreamspace recognizes illuminating, challenging design and is tipping the recently formed Fundación architectural practice for bigger things. The Fundación show, sponsored by Calverts printing, will open at dreamspace on 13th August, with a private view on 16th August.

Daniel Statham formed Fundación in 2006. Daniel, just 34, born in Herefordshire, studied at the Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL and got his first job at Foster and Partners. He furthered his career with Atelier One where he was involved with research and art collaborations. This period of work installed a firm understanding of the design/ engineering synthesis that is possible within architecture. Daniel says; “what stood out to me at Atelier One was their cutting edge approach to design engineering. They were always open to new ideas and were never formulaic. This attitude was echoed by artists Langlands & Bell, Marc Quinn, Juan Munóz and Gerry Judah who we collaborated with on numerous projects at the time. This experience has especially become directional in the fruition of Fundación.”

Before embarking on Fundación Daniel did a stint with Barber Osgerby working on their interior/ product projects which provided an additional perspective to pure design functionality and manufacturing. Daniel has contributed to award winning projects in the UK and Asia that include the White Cube art gallery, Tate Modern Unilever series, Stella McCartney and Renault F1. He says; “I draw my creative thoughts from environments that I have experienced. This could be related to influences like travel, culture and nature. They become filters which allow you to respond conceptually to a project.”

Daniel is passionate that good design shines though and will argue the case for design excellence. The company name “Fundación” is the Spanish word for foundation or corporation. “I chose the name as it suggests the beginning of something new – to build from the ground up, very much like a building, but also in respect to the people that we work with – like a collective.”

The Fundación exhibition will provide a snapshot of the studios current work. It is the start of their journey as the company is still in its infancy. Recent projects include the Terracotta Army exhibition at the British Museum, residential housing in Spain, Greece and Holland, cladding design with Santiago Calatrava and BDA on the Chicago Spire and a recent competition entry in Jerusalem, Israel for the Bezalel Academy of Arts.

Future plans for Fundación include a studio based in Madrid . “We have ties in Madrid and want to use the opportunity of expanding there to fuel the think-tank engine of our creativity. Madrid is a vibrant city with great energy and a changing arts scene that is becoming more contemporary. I want Fundación to contribute to this.”

Gemma Went, Marketing Manager at Adrem said “We are very excited about the Fundación exhibition at dreamspace. Daniel represents exactly what we are looking for – exceptional talent and innovative design that pushes boundaries and captures the interests of the design community and beyond. What better way to celebrate the birth of dreamspace with a young and flourishing design practice”.

Registration required:

No

Free:

Yes