The Lawrence Group
Authors
Citation
Hinge, v.97, 2002, pp. 66-68
Abstract
Sometimes the work of a full-services architecture firm can seem watered down or generic, creative energies are restrained by a 'general committee' atmosphere or decision structure. But the interior projects included here, by Alexsandr Malinich of The Lawrence Group, prove the opposite; that strong, innovative work can emerge even from a mid-size firm with dispersed staff.
The Lawrence Group, with five offices spread around the United States from Texas to New York, offers a full range of architecture and interior design services to clients in fields as diverse as healthcare, corporate, residential, institutional and media. The firm opened in 1983 and has grown since then to over 110 architects, interior designers and planners.
Malinich's interiors reveal a common set of interests; in frame, line and field, in texture, in the manipulation of natural light, in spatial reveals, in the effects of colour tone on atmosphere, in the use of simple materials (wood, steel, glass, plaster) in sophisticated ways and combinations. All three projects insert themselves into existing constructions - of very different natures - with sensitivity, understatement and a confident command of eye and hand. Also a good dose of imagination. It's never easy to make standout interiors with few components or moves. It is the very understated character of the architect's work here, however, that elevate these spaces above the usual level of decent, practical but uninspiring corporate work. Malinich also wisely avoided the quickly-dated trendiness of much recent new-media-premises design. These spaces, surfaces and furniture are anything but temporal, their shared character of calm helps bestow on their clients a sense of longevity and sophistication lacking the need to scream and shout with formal antics. It is the work of a mature design hand.
(1) DDI
(2) Ferguson / Katzman
(3) Schupp Company
Description
Subject
Type
Article
Format
Date
2002
Language
en