14 Quick Questions with Francesc Rife

The opening of a new store in the capital is hardly surprising. But the bathroom fixtures boutique on Leninsky Prospect deserves special attention: a stylish and minimalist space has appeared on the first floor of a typical residential building, seamlessly integrated into its surroundings. This is not surprising, as the project's architect was Francesc Rife, a master of working with forms and textures. We asked him several questions — about his work and more.

How do you like Moscow?

I really love it here, I am enchanted by Soviet architecture of the 1960s–1970s. Also, over the last ten years I have seen enormous changes in the city: the streets have become more colorful and clean, and people — more open.

Do you remember your very first project in Russia?

Of course. Though 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 ones.

Boutique Laufen in Moscow. Design: Francesc Rife Studio

What was the most difficult project for you?

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

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

What inspires you?

I am inspired by painting, I really love Rothko. Also ancient architecture, which helps understand today’s — in the past they built much better than now.

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. A key feature of Spain is that it has many regions. And in each one there’s its own food, culture and design. Despite the trend toward globalization in recent years.

And for me, as a designer, it’s very important to preserve the characteristics of local culture.

But at the same time, not let the design be too overtly nationalistic. Only characteristic elements should remain in it, such as thematic hints.

Design: Francesc Rife

What trends will dominate in 2020?

Now, there’s a strong connection with ecology. Everyone is concerned about preserving the cleanliness of the environment. Natural materials, textures — such a natural minimalism. And 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 think trends are not 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 instead?

I would like to be a manager in a restaurant. In such an unusual, special, gastronomically interesting one. The atmosphere of a restaurant and the energy of the kitchen really appeal to me. I’ve had many projects in which 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. A classic show, but I only just got around to watching it. Enjoyed it.

Favorite Instagram account?

Of course! Not just one. I enjoy following Vincent van Duysen, Kengo Kuma and Piero Lissoni on Instagram. These are people I know personally. Therefore, I relate to them not only as recognized authorities and professionals but also as close individuals. And despite the fact that 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 leave Europe due to the crisis of the 1940s. There he created his own concept of space: he cut canvases on his works, achieving a three-dimensional effect this way.

Often I begin my lectures by telling about Fontana — a person who disrupted the conventional perception of artistic works and in general changed art.

The perfect start to a day is...

Sitting at home at my desk with a cup of coffee. Sounds simple and without frills, but I am often on the road, so such a morning is my most desired one.

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