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HÉCTOR RUÍZ

CURATED BY

Architecture & Design

MADRID

/07

HÉCTOR RUIZ VELÁZQUEZ IS A PUERTO RICAN-BORN ARCHITECT KNOWN FOR HIS INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE APPROACH. IN HIS PROJECT HOTEL CEVISAMA, HE CELEBRATES CERAMICS AS A SYMBOL OF MEDITERRANEAN TRADITIONS, CREATING A UNIQUE SENSORIAL ATMOSPHERE BY COMBINING ORGANIC AND GEOMETRIC FORMS TO OFFER AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE.

How would you define your journey in the world of architecture and design?

Fascinating, creative, enjoyable, and successful. Plato associated experience with what is debatable and changeable, not with what is permanent. This concept of dynamism in the discipline of architecture is what motivates me to create and search for new forms of material in every project. The sensible world that the philosopher spoke of refers to what is perceived by the senses and is considered an imperfect copy of the intelligible world. In some way, continuing to search for perfection in everything is something that motivates me.

Your work is characterized by blending innovation, sustainability, and a strong artistic component. What pillars would you say sustain your architectural style?

The search for sensory experience, first and foremost my own, is an important pillar for me. It is through my journey that I can interpret in every work a new possible materiality. Also keeping in mind the vocation of service that architecture has for society. An important pillar is also achieving two perspectives united: that of the individual project, but with a vision of the global connection of our times.

Rectangular Wood and Fiberglass Coffee Table (130x70 cm) Flawas

"The ceramic material is designed to share space with other materials."

Now, tell us about the ‘Hotel Cevisama’. How did the idea come about, and what experience do you want to offer visitors?

The idea came from a side of the service vocation I mentioned earlier, which is also the central point of sectors like hospitality. And also from honoring the environment where things happen. The location of the exhibition center in one of the main Mediterranean ports, its traditions, and its ceramic culture are the sensory inspiration sought in the creation of the space and its atmosphere, in addition to evoking experiences and positive sensory motivation for the user through light, colors, the path, heights...

The design combines organic and geometric shapes in an innovative way. How does this fusion materialize in the hotel spaces?

With essential drawn geometry, with curves strategically placed on the plan, with ceramic materials covering walls and floors. Every architectural detail has a reason for being, and we sought to create a concept of transition in the spatiality, which allows us to create like a kind of frames, which together form a scene. Creating these sequences, which have their own identity at every angle and detail, allows the visitor to connect with what resonates with them. It is not a closed aesthetic discourse, but an open one, and every corner can contain a story.

"The project aims to convey reality, possibility, and total inspiration."

You mention that ‘Hotel Cevisama’ celebrates ceramics as a symbol of respect for our roots and the environment. How is this concept expressed in the design?

By taking advantage of the versatility of the material to apply it to various architectural solutions, this continuity integrates ceramics into the concept of fluid design. Especially in relation to its waterproofing qualities and characteristics. We also tried to give special prominence to the product in the overall design of the space, so that what the space aims to convey connects with the image and aesthetics of the material.

How was the process of selecting furniture for the ‘Hotel Cevisama’? What characteristics did the pieces need to have?

In the furniture for a public space like this, not only because it is at a fair but for what it emulates, we wanted to highlight the meaning of each piece. More than decoration, we sought that the design of each element contains the concept that the space conveys. Furniture and objects are related to the sense of the design. Therefore, every piece was carefully chosen to stand out on its own and fit into the atmosphere we created together. These are not easy requirements, but they are essential for our concept of space architecture. It is undoubtedly one of the hallmarks of our studio, the search for these essential elements to complete the project the way we like.

"Ceramics is a material that is identified as a sustainable product, and in its application, the studio worked on aesthetic coherence and the absence of ornamentation as decoration without foundation."

What feeling would you like to convey with this design?

I would like it to be perceived as the concept of an architectural refuge for the pleasure we sought to create, but also as a visionary space with a human-centered focus. This hospitality project aims to reclaim the value of the ritual of hospitality, welcoming, service, and center the experience of lodging as if the space were the element that gives meaning to the role of the host.

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