The ‘Technology’ of Francois Roche

When French architect Francois Roche was asked, “What project has given you the most satisfaction?” he replied: ”Any project where I can tell a story.” When Roche was asked, “When you were a child, did you want to become an architect?” He replied, “Of course not, it’s not a vocation. I hate that.”

[Excerpt from interview at Designboom]

Francois Roche has a unique approach to architectural design, process, concept, and clearly, narrative.

In my mind, he is the eminent designer of digital narrative in architecture. Many of his works, like the “Olzeg” (2006, Paris) above [which recycles glass bottles into a structure using a pre-programmed machine], recognize and utilize the reality of social issues as a precedent.

His firm, R&Sie(n), he runs with partner Stéphanie Lavaux. Together, they base their architectural practice heavily on literature, psychology, narrative, theory, as well as personal experience. In addition, Roche teaches at the GSAPP, as well as USC, with architect Marc Fornes of TheVeryMany. Together, they collaborate in the realms of science, design, and theory. 

Their mission statement [taken from here…their website is fraught with semi-confusing links in half-French, half-English; further reinforcing their philosophies, which can only truly be described in words] is perhaps the most interesting I have read regarding an architectural practice:

“…To develop deliberately ambiguous scenarios that fuse realities that would seem immisicible.  Their synthetic devices works out possibles somewhere between attractions and aversions, simultaneously mixes of obstacles and possibilities, waste material and efflorescence, threats and protections, mechanical powers and natural forces. Here everything is intertwined and knotted, in the process of becoming, in a movement in becoming. “Let yourself slip through their work and feel its silky and strange texture as terrifies and caresses you.”  

So many of his works have an interesting tinge on the practical, or the unnoticed:

One of my favorite designers right now.

Further Reading: Read his Wikipedia page. It’s worth it. 

Further Listening: “A Postcard to Nina” by Jens Lekman [MP3]

-C.S.