LABics (IT)
www.labics.it

Every place contains the matrix of its own transformation

27.08. - 02.09.2006

Inspired by the extraordinary context of Boisbuchet, the workshop will investigate the concept of natural context and artificial transformation.
The starting point is the idea that every place contains the matrix of its own transformation. The environment and the landscape are not neutral towards anthropic intervention. Rather, they remain subjects of their own transformation, not submitting to it but themselves becoming "places".

Inspired by these thoughts and the exploration of Boisbouchet, the workshop will focus on creating a new "place", a shelter, a small pavilion, a synthesis of natural and artificial.
The intent is the metaphoric creation of a place, a "room", an organism that itself represents the boundaries between inside and outside, public and private.
It's not necessarily about the design of an indoor space in a physical sense, but of a space that can be experienced as indoor or outdoor, permeable and liveable.

LABics

LABics Architecture was founded in Rome in 2002 by Maria Claudia Clemente, Francesco Isidori and Marco Sardella (who left the firm in 2005). The three knew each other from their work together at Nemesis Architects (1997-2002).

Completed projects include a new footpath for Trajan's Forum, "Podere 43", a converted and expanded private residence, the Obika Mozzarella Bar and the headquarters of Italpromo & Libardi for which LABics won the Archés 2004 prize for architecture. With the competition project "Valle dei Mulini", a rehabilitation plan for a valley in Amalfi, they won the 2005 Holcim Prize for sustainable construction.

At present, LABics is working primarily on the master plan for a residential development in Tirana, on construction of the University Educational Center for medicine, nursing and biotechnologies in Rozzano (Milan) and on the second phase of an international design competition for the renovation of the Ecole Française in Rome.

Both partners are active in the fields of teaching and research at the University of Rome La Sapienza. Maria Claudia Clemente is a professor of industrial design while Francesco Isidori has taught both architectural planning and industrial design.

Their work has been addressed in numerous publications and LABics has been represented at various exhibitions over the past several years.