Drawing or Design?

Álvaro Siza | Photo Atelier Siza Vieira

Drawing comes naturally out of him, always restless, always unsatisfied, in a constant search. Whether it is an object, a sofa or a dresser, a carpet, a label or a bottle, it is the design of numerous designs, which come out him each and every time. "It seems strange, but it takes a commission to arouse drawing of a piece, the challenge is launched and it seem that he is taken by surprise, reacting as a restless creature, insightful, wishing to see, to realize what was done, what can be changed, out of necessity, for nonconformity or even for pleasure, of the design and ever improving". Carlos Castanheira *

Siza Vieira is this way, in his projects, in details, in personal relationships and in his drawings.

He is not a full-time designer, but rather a compulsive designer, who creates design objects because he search and studies materials, objects form and function. "They offered him, I saw, I was there, a Japanese porcelain piece, of refined technique and complex simplicity, Asian, with an elegant fragile shape, that makes us realize that serving sake is already design. I saw in his almost closed but all-seeing eyes, his surprise, curiosity and almost anger, for not being able to do so, or better if possible". Carlos Castanheira *

Álvaro mirror by Álvaro Siza Vieira | Danese

Linea rug by Álvaro Siza Vieira | Dimensão Nova and Lorosae pendant lamps by Álvaro Siza Vieira

Sometimes Siza lacks time, availability and drawing because there are so many and varied drawings, every day, that merely cover the drawing as the study of an object’s function, or perhaps an object’s design. "Once he drew a picture of a lamp, I helped in the design, simple scribe. I have to confess that it seemed almost banal, simple. It was thought to light an exhibition of his works, that I was commissioner, at the Palladian Basilica of the city of Vicenza. A large, huge basilica and multifunctional space, by the great architect Andrea Palladio. The lamp would have to work and it worried me. The drawing and the work were performed considering the location and its lightning function, at the extent, in that great area so that exhibition was assembled and then visited ". Carlos Castanheira *

Lorosae pendant lamps by Álvaro Siza Vieira at the Palladian Basilica of Vicenza, 1999

Lorosae pendant lamp by Álvaro Siza Vieira

It was a surprise to Carlos Castanheira, who helped Siza Vieira, when he turned simple drawings into forms, function, color and quality. Surprised by the proportion for it is not easy to make a lamp for such a special place as the Palladian Basilica, because there was no possibility of performing any kind of test or verification, Carlos Castanheira confesses "The lamps were there as they always were, except we could not see them. But he did. Lorosae was and is its name. I have to confess that when I see the Lorosae lamp, in its various dimensions, always in proportion, in multiple locations, either alone or in groups, I ask myself; but it is so simple, almost banal, why is this lamp so likable?". Carlos Castanheira *

Text and images: Nuno Ladeiro | Quotes by Carlos Castanheira

*Carlos Castanheira was born in Lisbon in June 1957. He completed his architecture degree in the Escola Superior de Belas Artes of Porto University from 1976 to 1981.

He lived in Amsterdam from 1981 to 1990 where he worked as an architect and attended the Architecture School of the Academie voor Bouwkunst van Amsterdam.

In 1993 he founded the architectural firm Carlos Castanheira & Clara Bastai, Architects Ld.ª with architect Maria Clara Bastai.

He conducted projects, participated in juries for architectural competitions, conferences, directing courses, curated and organized exhibitions, editing and publishing books and catalogs. Since he was a student he collaborates with architect Alvaro Siza’s projects in Portugal but especially abroad.

He is responsible for coordinating the activities of Casa da Arquitectura.

Construction Award in Wood 2005 - AIMMP

National Prize for Architecture in Wood 2011 - AFN / MA