We at Aludecor rejoice whenever Architects decide to delve deeper into creativity and share with us, the making process and the design philosophies of their dream projects. What amuses us more is the sheer genius with which these eminent Architects inspire us and redefine Architectural art. In today’s #ArchiSpeak segment, we bring to you, Architect Andre Kikoski who have explored with new designs for his curated Projects that enrich his multi-faceted portfolio.
Who do you consider as an inspiration for your Architecture?
“Since I was a young child, I was interested in Architecture, and am also very interested in ideas of how one can continually refine oneself and develop an understanding of one’s “self”. I have acknowledged my talent and have continued to edit, challenge and push myself to a new reality. I am sure that it comes from a blending of many different types of non-Western spiritual thoughts. For me, the notions heroic and inspiring is always to challenge yourself and to be the best possible expression of yourself and your talent. A client of mine once mentioned that wishes to do business with people whom he finds trustworthy and respectable, and so he likes to invite potential business partners for dinner. It is such an inspiring way to look at who you work with and also a beautiful one- it’s the people that you work with are extraordinary! If the core understanding between different stakeholders remains transparent and secure, then every project is bound to be successful, always! “
What are some Notable Projects that are close to your heart?
“Current projects include One Hudson Yards where we have designed everything inside a luxurious new residential building, and we absolutely enjoyed doing the project. Next is 75 Kenmare Street which is constructed in the NoLita neighborhood of New York City with an artistic and bespoke cast concrete facade. The next is 2 West Water in the Hamptons, a collection of three waterfront townhouses. These opportunities indeed made us all very excited.”
Name a Project of yours, which you would love to highlight?
“I think I would love to highlight 75 Kenmare – a building in the historic NoLita neighborhood of New York City.”
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What was the Design Philosophy behind the 75 Kenmare Project?
“Well, with this particular project, it was required that we shouldn’t just design a glass box. Almost 51% of the building was done in masonry, so the challenge was to look at this very rich urban site and how can we transform it into something different. It’s not often that you get this kind of an opportunity.”
What was the inspiration to create this specific design?
“We saw to it that we use masonry in this contract. We were keen to create texture, shade, shadow and relief on a facade and we observed that if all of these qualities have to be replicated and to be taken to a new level of expression, then we must create something out of concrete. Concrete is beautifully malleable, and I think many Architects do not take full advantage of it! Concrete takes shape and form of any material, it weathers beautifully, and there are many things you can do to the colours, the textures and to the finishing that allow it to become the ultimate building material. So we created hand-cast formwork in concrete and wood. The elaborate process involved pouring, shaping and creating a building- a vertical of concrete in 1 and 3 Inches width that will go up 6 stories along with the height of the street wall. I think it’s extraordinary to take one of the least expensive material and turn it into a luxuriously crafted material. “
What were the challenges you faced while doing this project?
“Whenever you do something new, you also need to run through all of the various problems of communication with your team. Architecture is not only spectacular drawings, but it is also a collaboration with Fabricators. These people who were making our buildings, the Concrete Fabricators were based in Canada, and these guys were spraying little bits of glass across our façade panels to give it the texture that we want. We had to travel there and spend a day with them, to show them exactly how we wanted our concrete finish. So really it has not been different than it has always been – Architecture is always the story of the Architect and the craftsmen who meet and collaborate.”
What are your thoughts about the Changing Culture of Architecture in India?
“India is a fascinating place to work with lots of amazing talent in the Architectural profession. I had personally got acquainted with many Indian Architects at the time when I presented my work in Mumbai. I feel some very notable work and thoughts are happening in India and developers are also realizing the requirement of the importance of quality Designers in their projects.”
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What do you think is the future of Indian Architecture in the next five years?
“I think it would be fantastic if Indian Architecture and Design could combine some of the thought leadership that we see with some of the country’s best practitioners. It means that the government-sponsored Smart Cities would portray more and more modern architecture as these are more than cities designed by large corporate firms. It’s a combination of many different types of practices which all contribute to this idea of a new sense of urbanization, and I think the Smart Cities are excellent opportunities to show the world not only how rich and diverse India is as a country but also how rich and diverse the design community in India is. “
Which country do you think is using new materials and leading by incorporating the latest designs and structures?
“I think innovation happens globally. Innovative thinking and pushing the envelope as an Industry is shared between many different partners that we work with. We see it that certain materials are created in one country, fabricated in another, implemented in the third. We do indeed live in a country not only in a world not only in a society not only with the global supply chain, but we have a global formal thought leadership where ideas span continents and cultures, and that’s what precisely makes them so appealing. So it’s not really a nationalistic race as much it is a highly considered and highly dedicated group of professionals who are all dealing with the opportunities. I think it is exceptionally selfless and beautiful to work together for art and the industry.”
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What according to you should define Smart Cities which is happening across the globe now?
“I think Smart Cities are terrific! I know there are significant initiatives planned for them globally. My take on Smart Cities in the US is not nearly as evolved as we don’t have the opportunity to consider creating an entirely new urban centre from scratch. I see Smart Cities as an essential opportunity for innovation, community building, and using the latest technologies. ”
What is your opinion about Aluminium Composite Panel as a building material?
“ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) is a beautiful material and is very malleable and is ideal for reflecting an Architect’s expression. I have always been thrilled to have the opportunity to pursue projects that involved established Fabricators who boasted incredible knowledge about ACP. “
What has been your Dream Project?
“For me, it is always the current one- every current project is my Dream Project.”
Andre Kikoski, AIA, LEED AP, is the founding principal of Andre Kikoski Architect – an internationally renowned firm that consistently creates compelling design in a variety of social and cultural contexts. The firm’s diverse portfolio includes iconic cultural, residential, hospitality and retail projects for accomplished entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and taste-makers including The Guggenheim Museum, The Related Companies at Hudson Yards, The Howard Hughes Corporation, The Kohler Companies, Ligne Roset, Saks Fifth Avenue, Swarovski Crystal, and most recently DHA Capital at 75 Kenmare Street.
A recipient of the American Institute of Architect’s Institute Honor Award, Andre Kikoski Architect has garnered over 44 international design awards and is featured in over 1,000 publications across 30 countries. A frequent lecturer in Asia, Europe and North and South America, Andre received his Master’s degree in Architecture at Harvard University.
