Rafael de Cárdenas was working as a fashion designer for Calvin Klein when, seduced by the architecture of the newly-opened Guggenheim Bilbao, he decided to retrain. He founded his multidisciplinary practice Architecture at Large in New York in 2006 and spent the following decade working on everything from architecture to consulting and brand development.
A new book surveys the architect’s career, chronicling over ten years of creative work, including Miami’s Wynwood Building, a gallery space for Demisch Danant, and pop-up interiors for Nike. The Patrick Li-designed tome paints a perfect picture of de Cárdenas’ geographical and aesthetic reach.
Four chapters are divided thematically examining projects by de Cárdenas in high resolution, including his bold interior designs and homes in Manhattan. The presentation of the images, with folding out spreads to maximize impact, communicates in two dimensions the impression of walking into a multi-dimensional de Cárdenas-designed environment, while essays by Felix Burrichter, of PIN-UP magazine, and John Miller, New York and Berlin-based artist, writer, and musician, uncover narratives and open up new ways of interpreting the work of de Cárdenas.
A version of this originally featured in the November 2017 issue of Wallpaper* (W*224)
The book presents images of de Cárdenas' work in high resolution, with folding spreads to maximise impact
It chronicles over ten years of de Cárdenas' work at Architecture at Large
The tome is designed by fashion director Patrick Li, who paints a perfect picture of de Cárdenas' career
Featured works include Miami's Wynwood Building, a gallery space for Demisch Danant, and pop-up interiors for Nike
The book covers Architecture at Large's key practices - architecture, consultation and brand development - with lavish accompanying images
De Cárdenas has had a truly geographical and aesthetic reach throughout the last decade
The tome comes in three different covers
INFORMATION
Rafael de Cárdenas/Architecture at Large, $80, published by Rizzoli. For more information, visit the Architecture at Large website
-
All-In is the Paris-based label making full-force fashion for main character dressingPart of our monthly Uprising series, Wallpaper* meets Benjamin Barron and Bror August Vestbø of All-In, the LVMH Prize-nominated label which bases its collections on a riotous cast of characters – real and imagined
-
Maserati joins forces with Giorgetti for a turbo-charged relationshipAnnouncing their marriage during Milan Design Week, the brands unveiled a collection, a car and a long term commitment
-
Through an innovative new training program, Poltrona Frau aims to safeguard Italian craftThe heritage furniture manufacturer is training a new generation of leather artisans
-
This minimalist Wyoming retreat is the perfect place to unplugThis woodland home that espouses the virtues of simplicity, containing barely any furniture and having used only three materials in its construction
-
We explore Franklin Israel’s lesser-known, progressive, deconstructivist architectureFranklin Israel, a progressive Californian architect whose life was cut short in 1996 at the age of 50, is celebrated in a new book that examines his work and legacy
-
A new hilltop California home is rooted in the landscape and celebrates views of natureWOJR's California home House of Horns is a meticulously planned modern villa that seeps into its surrounding landscape through a series of sculptural courtyards
-
The Frick Collection's expansion by Selldorf Architects is both surgical and delicateThe New York cultural institution gets a $220 million glow-up
-
Remembering architect David M Childs (1941-2025) and his New York skyline legacyDavid M Childs, a former chairman of architectural powerhouse SOM, has passed away. We celebrate his professional achievements
-
The upcoming Zaha Hadid Architects projects set to transform the horizonA peek at Zaha Hadid Architects’ future projects, which will comprise some of the most innovative and intriguing structures in the world
-
Frank Lloyd Wright’s last house has finally been built – and you can stay thereFrank Lloyd Wright’s final residential commission, RiverRock, has come to life. But, constructed 66 years after his death, can it be considered a true ‘Wright’?
-
Heritage and conservation after the fires: what’s next for Los Angeles?In the second instalment of our 'Rebuilding LA' series, we explore a way forward for historical treasures under threat
