14 Quick Questions to Francesc Rife

The opening of a new store in the capital is unlikely to surprise anyone. However, the bathroom fixtures boutique on Lenin Prospekt deserves special attention: a stylish and minimalist space has appeared on the first floor of a typical residential building, seamlessly integrated into its surroundings. It's no surprise that the architect of the project was Francesc Rife, a master of working with forms and textures. We asked him several questions — about work and more.

How do you like Moscow?

I really love it here, I'm enchanted by the Soviet architecture of the 1960s–70s. Also, over the last ten years I've seen tremendous changes in the city: the streets have become more colorful and clean, and people — more open.

Do you remember your first project in Russia?

Of course. Although it’s been about twenty years! It was a jewelry store on Novy Arbat for the Louis Vuitton group. After that, most of my projects were private.

Boutique Laufen in Moscow. Design: Francesc Rife Studio

What was the most challenging project for you?

Oh. As an architect, I want to say that all my projects were challenging. Even the smallest ones.

Practically always, the complexity of a project is created by the people who approve it. The more people involved in approving the project — the more complex it becomes: each must voice their opinion and defend it at all costs.

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by painting, I very much love Rothko. Also, ancient architecture, which helps understand the present — in the past they did much better than today.

Design: Francesc Rife Studio

What is the most important quality for an architect?

To know how to listen.

Spanish design — what is it like?

Spanish design is diverse. The uniqueness of Spain lies in the fact that it has many provinces, each with its own food, culture, and design. Despite the recent trend toward globalization.

For me, as a designer, it’s very important to preserve the characteristics of a particular region's culture.

At the same time, I don’t want the design to be overly nationalistic. Only characteristic elements should remain — such as thematic hints.

Design: Francesc Rife

What trends will be in 2020?

Currently, there’s a strong connection with ecology. Everyone is concerned about maintaining environmental cleanliness. Natural materials and textures — such a natural minimalism. At the same time, its interaction with digital technologies.

But if technology is an inevitability, a product of time, then the trend toward eco-friendliness is more of a marketing solution that sells well.

Do trends matter to you?

They don’t matter to me. Not because I’ve already succeeded as a designer. I believe that trends aren’t always a guarantee of success or good design.

Design: Francesc Rife Studio

Favorite material in your work?

Wood.

If not design, what would you do?

I’d like to be a manager in a restaurant. In such an unusual, special, gastronomically interesting one. The atmosphere of the restaurant and the energy of the kitchen really appeal to me. I’ve had many projects where I worked with famous chefs. And by the way, it was precisely from them that I learned discipline and organization.

Restaurant Mercato in Barcelona. Design: Francesc Rife Studio

Last movie you watched?

Oy, I don’t watch many movies. Recently I finished the last season of Madman. It’s an old series, but I only got around to it recently. I watched it with pleasure.

Favorite Instagram account?

Of course! Not just one. I enjoy following Vincent Van Duyse, Kengo Kuma, and Piero Lissoni. These are people I know personally. So I relate to them not only as recognized authorities and professionals, but also as close individuals. And although they’ve already made a huge contribution to modern design, I still hope to learn much from them.

@pierolissoni @kkaa_official @vincentvanduysen

What’s your mobile wallpaper?

This is a painting by Lucio Fontana, an Italian artist who was forced to flee to Latin America due to the European crisis of the 1940s. There, he created his own concept of space: he slashed canvases in his works to achieve a three-dimensional effect.

Often I start my lectures by telling about Fontana — a person who disrupted the conventional perception of artistic works and changed art as a whole.

The perfect start to the day is...

Sitting at home at my desk with a cup of coffee. It sounds simple and unadorned, but I’m often on the road, so such a morning is what I desire most.

Photo: forma5.com; interioresminimalistas.com; mosbuild.com