Ladies and gentlemen, enthusiasts of design, and all those who appreciate the captivating fusion of architecture and storytelling, welcome to a groundbreaking episode of Future Talks by RTF. In this installment, we embark on an exhilarating journey with an architect whose story is a testament to innovation, vision, and a commitment to shaping the future through design.
Born in the culturally rich landscape of Peru and now flourishing in the vibrant design scene of Australia, Rafael Contreras has crafted an architectural narrative that transcends borders. His educational journey was a testament to his global perspective, having completed his architecture degree at the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences and pursued his master’s in architecture and urbanism at the Architectural Association in London, a renowned institution known for nurturing creative thinkers.
Rafael’s career soared to remarkable heights as he assumed the role of lead architect at the illustrious Zaha Hadid Architects. There, he led international teams on monumental commissions and competition-winning bids that included iconic structures like the Grand Theatre of Rabat, the Tokyo National Stadium, and the colossal new Beijing Daxing International Airport, an architectural marvel and the world’s largest airport terminal. His contributions extended further, encompassing large-scale residential and mixed-use projects, leaving an indelible mark on the architectural landscape.
In 2016, a new chapter in Rafael’s journey unfolded as he co-founded Contreras Earl Architecture (CEA) alongside Monica Earl. Their shared vision was nothing short of revolutionary – to design original and inventive buildings that not only advance the realm of architecture but also foster a better future for our communities and cities. At The Lanes_Contreras Earl Architecture (CEA), traditional constraints were cast aside as they harnessed the power of advanced software, robotics, innovative materials, and cutting-edge construction processes. This liberation allowed them to explore the avant-garde and unleash creative ideas that benefit both the environment and people.
CEA’s design philosophy is rooted in a profound understanding of contemporary life and a deep commitment to harmonizing buildings with the built and natural environment. Drawing inspiration from nature’s patterns, they create site-specific solutions that are not only functional but also visually striking, reminiscent of the natural world’s beauty. The architecture that emerges from this process is nothing short of innovative and advanced, seamlessly blending artistry, soul, and warmth. Sculptural forms and organic lines not only optimize environmental performance but also encourage public engagement, making every CEA creation a dynamic part of its surroundings.
Among their numerous accolades and groundbreaking projects, CEA stands proud as the creative force behind the Living Coral Biobank, a pioneering facility dedicated to coral conservation and the world’s first of its kind. They also have the distinction of designing Australia’s inaugural Air Taxi Vertiport, ushering in a new era of urban mobility.
As we delve into a conversation with Rafael, we will unveil the secrets and stories behind the design innovations that have made him and CEA visionaries in the field of architecture. Join us in this immersive dialogue and be prepared to be inspired by a journey that exemplifies the potential of design to shape a better future.
RTF: Hi Rafael, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. How was your experience with Zaha Hadid Architects? How did it impact your own architecture practice with Contreras Earl Architecture?
Rafael: Attending the Architectural Association for my master’s degree and subsequently joining Zaha Hadid Architects were truly incredible experiences. The mentorship of Patrick Schumacher and Zaha Hadid has had a profound impact on my journey as an architect, and their influence is present in our architectural practice today.
RTF: Contreras Earl Architecture has hugely impacted the Australian architectural landscape with its groundbreaking projects. How do you define your approach towards design?
Rafael: Thank you very much for your generous comment. Two words can define the foundation of our practice; Evolution and Nature. We firmly believe that architecture must progress in tandem with technological advancements, not only to contribute to the evolution of our cities but also to propel our profession forward, which has remained stagnant for far too long. While there is certainly good architecture out there, much of it has remained unchanged for the past century. To truly move forward, we must look into the future and fully embrace the potential of technology.
RTF: How do collaborative efforts shape a project? What are some advantages of working with your Partner Monica Earl?
Rafael: It is a great synergy since we are not the same, and our differences make us complementary. The main advantage of our collaboration lies in our ability to complement each other, blending our individual perspectives into a unified vision that brings stronger outcomes.
RTF: How would you highlight the importance of constantly evolving in architecture? How do you look at it in your work since you began?
Rafael: Evolution is critical; otherwise, we risk being trapped in a perpetual state of stagnation, which poses a significant challenge. The field of architecture, in particular, has suffered from stagnation, and this issue has far-reaching consequences, extending to related industries like construction. For instance, it’s concerning that we find ourselves in the age of artificial intelligence, yet it still takes over three years to construct a 40-story tower. It is critical to look into the future and embrace evolution.
We embrace technology as much as we can at every part of the design process. We are strongly committed to advancing in every facet of our practice, whether it be through the adoption of cutting-edge software or the integration of innovative material technologies.
RTF: How do you look at the work beyond designing for young architects, such as the likes of involvement in publishing, handling media and building an online presence?
Rafael: Dedicating time to marketing and promoting your brand is vital for fostering the growth and establishment of your firm. While it’s not the sole element in building a successful business, it unquestionably holds a pivotal role. Running your own firm can be an arduous journey, demanding unwavering dedication and personal sacrifice, but the rewards are worth it.
When you operate your own business, you essentially wear multiple hats – acting as an architect, accountant, IT specialist, marketer, recruiter, and manager. It’s labour-intensive work, and you must be prepared to excel in each of these roles, staying on top of all aspects of your business.
RTF: What advice would you give to emerging architects who are looking to increase their chances of getting their work published? Are there any specific resources or platforms that you would recommend for architects seeking publication opportunities?
Rafael: I would advise making it a routine and investing the effort to share your work with media outlets. Additionally, maintaining regular contact with platforms like RTF, which consistently support emerging and youthful firms, is a valuable step to take.
RTF: What kind of attention do you give to the ‘community’ in conceptualising a project? How do pragmatism and subjectivity go hand-in-hand in it?
Rafael: Each project we undertake is envisioned as a valuable community asset, with our central aim being to establish a profound connection with the people it serves. In the realm of architecture, our mission is clear: to inspire, offer hope to future generations, and craft distinctive, memorable experiences. These principles guide us in every project we embark upon.
RTF: Which project of yours has been the most rewarding for you in terms of learning? Which is your favourite project and why?
Rafael: I don’t have a favourite project since all of them are special for their own reasons. One that in particular that does stand out is our first commission in Australia, it is a podium for a 44 storey tower called 272 Hedges Avenue Pedestal. It is rewarding since we challenged the local construction industry; at the time there were not any Australian companies that could fabricate the stainless steel monocoque panels and we needed to manufacture this in the Netherlands. The Australian companies that bid for the construction understood their limitations and after more than 4 years now some of those companies may now be able to build this. The effect that this project caused on the local market is remarkable
RTF: What is your process of developing the initial thoughts about a project? How do you start?
Rafael: We usually start talking about the project and its challenges and we start planning ideas on how we will respond to the function, the user, the community, the context, the environment, etc. Our aim is to achieve a high-performance building. Everything you see in the building; shape, size, material, etc has a specific reason to be there.
RTF: Who has been your inspiration throughout your architectural journey?
Rafael: It’s an interesting story…I am thankful to my parents since maybe I wouldn’t be able to be an architect without them. And inspiration from architects I would say: Louis Kahn, Tadao Ando, Rem Koolhaas, Patrick Schumacher and Zaha Hadid.
RTF: Where do you find global architecture a decade from now?
Rafael: Architecture is going through a very interesting moment of experimentation with AI and I hope this will bring new changes and efficiencies in the design process. It is exciting to have an insight of all the different potential possibilities that this technology could bring to our industry.
I believe in 10 years our profession will have evolved and transformed after a long period of being frozen in time. And I hope this will also push other industries to evolve (manufacturing, construction, etc). all for the sake of contributing to more human, liveable and exciting cities for the new generations to come.
