Architect at large: a new book surveys the career of Rafael de Cárdenas
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)
INFORMATION
Rafael de Cárdenas/Architecture at Large, $80, published by Rizzoli. For more information, visit the Architecture at Large website
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Rosa Bertoli was born in Udine, Italy, and now lives in London. Since 2014, she has been the Design Editor of Wallpaper*, where she oversees design content for the print and online editions, as well as special editorial projects. Through her role at Wallpaper*, she has written extensively about all areas of design. Rosa has been speaker and moderator for various design talks and conferences including London Craft Week, Maison & Objet, The Italian Cultural Institute (London), Clippings, Zaha Hadid Design, Kartell and Frieze Art Fair. Rosa has been on judging panels for the Chart Architecture Award, the Dutch Design Awards and the DesignGuild Marks. She has written for numerous English and Italian language publications, and worked as a content and communication consultant for fashion and design brands.
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