| AB+AC Architects co-founders Arianna Buvuso and Andre Chedid are the most recent recipients of the prestigious iF Design Award 2022 for the interior architecture and renovation of the Open Hearts Lisbon, Cultural Space for the Arts. In the midst of Covid-19’s second wave, AB+AC architects was commissioned by the American non-profit organization; Open Hearts Lisbon, to design its first experiential center for conscious gathering, holistic learning and co-creation. The site, located on the ground floor of a 19th century building in a narrow gallery within a historical neighborhood of Bairro Alto carried with it the challenge of turning a dark and inactive commercial unit into a space of light, dedicated to evoking calm and positive thinking in its users. What resulted was a stimulating yet peaceful space that invited individuals to detach temporarily from the urban chaos of everyday life and build new and more meaningful connections. The sequence of rooms flows from a public saloon to a convivial zone where the kitchen extends to an intimate patio. In between is a lounge space with diffuse lighting that provides an ideal environment for exhibitions. Flexibility and adaptability are conveyed into custom solutions such as hidden storage or continuous curtains to create multiple configurations, from dance, yoga and meditation, to art events, workshops and screenings. The iF Design Award was established in Germany in 1953 and is considered one of the most revered design awards. The entries are evaluated by a highly-acclaimed independent jury, based on five major carefully deliberated aspects; idea, form, function, differentiation and impact. The iF seal of approval signifies good design in all five areas for both consumers and the design community at large. AB+AC’s Open Hearts Cultural Space in Lisbon, was also nominated for Building of the Year 2022 by Arch Daily. Conceived as a response to a fast-paced world where amazing technological discoveries are met with severe health, climatic and environmental crisis, the design for the center pivoted around the discussion of more conscious ways of building the spaces we inhabit. The intent of Bavuso and Chedid was to employ architecture as a tool to stimulate an uncluttered and balanced way of living through smart solutions that invite the user to reflect on what is truly essential for our wellbeing today. |
| ABOUTAB + AC |
| AB+AC Architects is an international multi-disciplinary studio operating within the field of urbanism, architecture and design. Through a strong research-based approach, the practice is committed to develop innovative strategies, design smart solutions, promote positive change and build remarkable spaces for a better everyday life. Currently based in Lisbon, AB+AC Architects is a partnership and a shared design journey between Arianna Bavuso, Italian, and Andre Chedid, American-Lebanese, after more than 10 years of collective working experience at international award-winning firms such as Aires Mateus Arquitectos (Lisbon), Gehl Architects (Copenhagen), Superimpose Architecture (Beijing), Vector Architects (Beijing) and Buro Ole Scheeren (Beijing). |