Architectural Cases

Stephen White, a luminary in the field of light fixture design, is now, at 86, receiving long-overdue public recognition as he steps back from his practice. His subtle yet profound artistry has recently garnered significant attention, particularly as his daughter, Simone White, assumes the mantle of his workshop. Esteemed AD100 designers have been instrumental in elevating White's profile, incorporating his distinctive pieces into their projects and lauding their unique aesthetic, which they describe as possessing an "organic element" and a profound "soul."

White's extraordinary journey into design commenced unexpectedly during his military service in the Arctic. In 1966, while stationed in the prolonged darkness of Alaska, he began creating rudimentary lighting solutions from salvaged materials. This initial foray quickly evolved into a sophisticated craft, leading to his first gallery exhibition, which significantly influenced his subsequent body of work. After his military discharge, White settled in Hawaii, immersing himself in architecture while continuing to hone his unique lighting creations, ultimately catching the eye of renowned sculptor Isamu Noguchi. Over the years, his work has graced diverse spaces, from hotels to private residences, each piece bearing his signature rising sun stamp, a symbol of the light he sought to bring into the world.

Today, Simone White meticulously upholds her father's legacy, having relocated to Connecticut to dedicate herself to the craft. Without traditional blueprints, she learns through the painstaking process of hands-on repetition, meticulously constructing and papering each fixture, a task that can take hundreds of hours. Although she currently focuses on recreating her father's iconic designs, she harbors aspirations to develop her own original pieces. Stephen, in turn, has entrusted her with his cherished tools, including his original soapstone stamp and a decades-old Chinese ink pad, symbolizing a powerful generational transfer of artistic heritage and a continuous pursuit of luminous beauty.

The story of Stephen and Simone White is a beautiful testament to the enduring power of craftsmanship, artistic integrity, and the passing of a creative torch from one generation to the next. It highlights how dedication to one's craft, even in obscurity, can eventually shine bright, inspiring others and enriching the world with beauty and light.

In the heart of Madrid's Justicia district, a 646-square-foot apartment underwent a remarkable metamorphosis, shedding its antiquated, dimly lit interior for a radiant and refined aesthetic. Architect Ángela Bermúdez spearheaded this transformation, converting what was once a labyrinth of small, dark rooms into a Parisian-inspired haven. The redesign prioritized openness, light, and seamless integration, creating a sophisticated yet functional living space for its discerning owners.

The apartment, typical of many Madrid properties from the 1970s and '80s, presented a common challenge: a layout riddled with numerous small, low-ceilinged rooms separated by a lengthy, dark corridor. These older structures often feature load-bearing internal walls, restricting significant layout changes. However, this particular unit offered a rare opportunity, as most internal partitions could be removed, providing Bermúdez with a blank canvas to craft an ideal modern home. The owners, a young couple eager to embrace city life, entrusted Bermúdez with creating a space that exuded sophistication, regardless of its compact dimensions. In a mere four months, her vision surpassed their expectations, culminating in an apartment that felt both expansive and elegant.

Bermúdez's primary goal was to dissolve the apartment's previous segmentation, establishing a fluid, unified environment. The renovation centered on creating a large, interconnected common area that seamlessly combines the living room, kitchen, and dining space. This open-plan approach was designed to facilitate diverse activities, from cooking and working to entertaining guests, embodying a dynamic and adaptable living experience within a small footprint. A key existing feature of the apartment—balconies accessible from every window—was ingeniously leveraged to draw natural light deep into the interior, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and vibrancy throughout the home.

Throughout the revamped apartment, a consistent design language was maintained through the strategic use of oak paneling and muted checkerboard flooring, establishing a visual flow that unites various zones, from the entrance to the kitchen. Bermúdez emphasized the importance of 'continuity' to honor the building's 1910 origins, reintegrating historical nuances into the contemporary design. This included the addition of elegant plaster moldings on ceilings and walls in the living area, alongside large mirrors, which collectively amplify the perceived height and meticulous detailing of the space without overwhelming its modest proportions. This thoughtful integration of classic and modern elements underscores Bermúdez's commitment to detail and her ability to infuse character into every inch of the residence.

In the sleeping quarters, a particularly ingenious solution was devised for the sole bathroom. To ensure privacy while allowing guests access without traversing the bedroom, Bermúdez installed floor-to-ceiling sliding wooden doors. When opened, these doors transform the bathroom into a seamless extension of the bedroom, offering flexibility and an enlarged sense of space. This design choice exemplifies Bermúdez's bold approach, demonstrating that innovative solutions can lead to original and unexpected design outcomes even within the confines of small-scale apartments.

Ultimately, the redesign of this Madrid apartment showcases how thoughtful architectural intervention can transform a challenging, compact space into a luminous, highly functional, and aesthetically cohesive home. Bermúdez's ability to maximize natural light, create open-plan living, and integrate elegant, unifying design elements has resulted in a dwelling that feels far larger and more luxurious than its square footage suggests, reflecting a keen understanding of both historical context and modern living needs.