Espaço Projetos & Construções
Name: Mario Wilson Costa Filho
Position within company: Architect, owner
Website: www.mariowilson.arq.br
Tell us a little about your background in design
Graduated in Achitecture and Urbanism from Federal University of Ceará (UFC) in 1985, maintains the company Espaço Projetos & Construções since 1986 working with architecture, interior architecture and construction, with several projects carried out in the commercial, residential and institutional segments.
How would you describe your personal design style?
In virtue of a good portion of our production is geared for commercial purposes, we kind of give up on having just one style, although we have our preferences. For each project emerges a style, a symbiosis with the need. One trace is common – design from executive detail to the whole.Where does your design inspiration come from?It comes from a “sensu lato” training which involves history, literature, music, travel, which translates into projects with a very eclectic and multiple and unrestricted vocabulary.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
From what I see in recent publications it seems to me that there is a return to minimalism, straight lines, a reinterpretation of elements of Bauhaus, the early modernists. It seems to me a somewhat pasteurized path in the majority. The same design can be found in cultures as diverse as Brazil and China. There is also an organic and more spectacular shed but when it is not merely a pastiche of special effects, fluctuates more around figures like popstars Zaha Hadid and Frank Gehry.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.
In my understanding the design should be intelligent, rational, economical, practical and beautiful.
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?
Do not have prejudice with materials at your disposal.
How important do you feel Design Awards are as recognition of designers talents and achievements?
Just the fact of being selected in the shortlist for us is a testament that we are on the right track. We understand that being part of this list is a reason for our customers and partners to strengthen their confidence in our work.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently implementing two concept Shops in several Brazilian states namely MARESIA Stores of clothing and accessories for men and women; and women’s fashion FILLSETE Stores. We are also developing two condo residences with about 60 units each and designing an urban hotel of 200 apartments, facing the audience that loves entertaining with a program involving nightclubs and a concert venue built onto the hotel with other recreational items.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Follow the routine of the company, as our customer base is large and varied and has already demands for 2014.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? My kids, 2 boys
Your favourite holiday destination? Europe – a country at a time and not exceeding two weeks of travel.
Your favourite hotel/ restaurant/ bar? Hotels from wineries such as Elciego, Restaurants Bistros always with signature cuisine – here in Fortaleza a place called “Casa de Moá”. Simple Bars in Brazil are called “botecos” (pubs) that serve various tidbits to accompany wine or beer.
Your favourite book / film / song? SARAMAGO , the movie “Once Upon a Time in America” of Sergio Leone and Jazz Music (Chet Baker, Tom Jobim, Miles Davis, John Coltrane & cia)
Your favourite food and drink? Red wine accompanied by cheeses, sausages and breads
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? On the shore with a gentle breeze, a bottle of wine and listening to Cole Porter.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? Maybe a lawyer.
Anything else interesting? I like to draw like the old days on a clipboard, with a pencil, one sheet over the other, overlapping to bring ideas, changes and decisions.