A CUT ABOVE

摘要

'Each office produces work that is at the same time unique and standard', say Madrid-based studio FRPO. 'We are interested in this dual condition. Not so much creating unique architecture but creating really good architecture.' This idea of blending the unique with the standard has, so far, proven an apt summation of FEPO's work, which constantly seeks to elevate the conditions of the places in which their projects are built. Working in Spain, Switzerland and Mexico has provided three distinct contexts in which to explore this approach and different attitudes to what founders Fernando Eodriguez and Pablo Oriol term the 'public service' of the architect. According to them, Mexico requires 'a very intense sensibility to bring together both private and public interests', Switzerland is 'a very respectful environment' for architects while, in Spain, architectural quality is 'not the most important issue when building the city'.