Betar

To begin with, tell us a little about when you started looking at space through the eyes of future architects. Why architecture?

The lines, shapes, volumes, colors, materials and functionality of buildings have always captivated us. Growing up, we realized that architecture wasn’t just about building cities and spaces, but about creating experiences and environments through proportion, and this shapes people’s lives.
We chose architecture because it gives us the opportunity to unite art and technique, and to draw reality through the imagined line and trace. The possibility of transforming abstract ideas into concrete spaces that can positively influence society inspires us to think better. Architecture allows us to create environments where people live, work and interact, improving quality of life and providing well-being. Seeing how projects positively impact human experience and people’s daily lives is extremely rewarding and motivates us to innovate and create. Architecture allows us to leave a lasting mark on people’s lives, and that’s what excites us.

You met in the studio of Miguel Câncio Martins. Is that where you met? What was that school like?

We already had a personal relationship, but it was at MCM Design that we had our first professional experience together. It was a very rewarding and enriching experience for both of us, as we were able to increase the diversity of project types, such as hotels, restaurants and single-family homes. We developed the ability to think on different scales, from different points of view, while always paying attention to detail. Being able to follow the development of projects through to their realization gave us the knowledge and ability to now explore our own sensibilities. It was also at MCM that we had the opportunity to work with BETAR, with whom we really enjoyed the experience and collaboration.

In 2023 you founded POENTE ATELIER, bringing together the two areas in which you excel most, Architecture and Interior Design. How did the idea of embarking on a joint project come about?

We started working together again when we took part in the Alma Lusa Comporta Hotel competition, which we eventually won, becoming responsible for the entire project, from the License to the Interior Design, including the total refurbishment of the building. This project consolidated our ability to work together and our desire to take on a project of our own. In our view, the combination of the two areas makes sense when thought of as a whole, where we start with Architecture and end with Interior Design. Our studio presents a complete design solution, covering the different scales, from the volume and façade to the reading lamp. This makes the project a unique object of study that adopts the same guiding conceptual line from start to finish.

What are the principles that guide your work today? How do you arrive at the essentials? How do you see the future of the studio, what plans do you have in mind?

Our approach to Architecture and Interior Design goes far beyond the mere creation of physical spaces, it is an incessant search for harmony between form, function and meaning. Each project therefore begins with an in-depth analysis of the client’s needs and aspirations, followed by a meticulous conceptual and technical exploration that leads to the final concept.
We combine the expertise of Interior Design and Architecture, always with the aim of transcending conventional boundaries to create functional environments that not only accommodate, but also inspire and elevate the human experience.
At Poente Atelier we want to be a One Stop Shop, which ensures all phases of the project, conception, development and execution of Architecture and Interior Design. Our ambition is to diversify the various types of projects and experiences, leaving our mark on the most varied areas.

What do you think the role of architecture should be in relation to the major global challenges of climate change?

We believe that architecture is a fundamental area in the challenge of climate change because it represents a lasting object once it has been built. Architecture needs to be constantly modernized and integrated into the theme of sustainability in a cohesive way, since it can and must be one of the driving forces behind the rational use of existing natural resources. Thinking about and designing tomorrow for future generations thus becomes architecture’s own civil responsibility.
We have been involved in many different types of projects and experiences, leaving our mark in a wide variety of areas.

This interview is an integral part of Revista Artes & Letras #168, september 2024
Partially automatic translation from portuguese: some expressions may differ from their actual meaning.