Benni Allan, founding director of EBBA, takes an investigative approach to every aspect of his practice. Born and raised in Spain, the architect was surrounded by exceptional design, but it was a visit to fellow countryman Santiago Calatrava?s City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia when he was 12 years old that made a lasting impression. ?The park is organized around large pools of water, with buildings interspersed around them that look like dystopian structures made of concrete, steel, and glass,? Allan says. ?I was so taken aback, and I remember thinking that it was something I would end up doing.?
Benni Allan \ Photo: Salva López
Based in London, Allan strives to reflect poetic material qualities, whether envisioning a retail store or crafting furniture. Every piece and structure is formed to have an emotional impact, much like the rhythms that serve as inspiration for him. ?Producing is very architectural in the way tracks are composed,? he adds. ?If I had the opportunity, I would dedicate time to developing ways to make and play live, which is essentially creating music in real time.? Today, Benni Allan joins us for Friday Five!
Photo: Devon Turnbull, courtesy Lisson Gallery
1. Devon Turnbull at Lisson Gallery
As someone who enjoys music and has spent most of my life going to gigs, I am very aware of the importance of the quality of sound. There?s been a major shift in the world of listening experiences, and this really came to the fore in an exhibition by Devon Turn...