Lifelounge is to talent what pigs are to truffle: furious fossickers of the precious few worthy of sunlight. A recent rummage led us to 23-year-old building designer Alex Vega, a young artist who skilfully toys with the elusive line between art and architecture. Remember where you saw him first…
How would you describe your style of design?”I like to think of my style of work as conceptual, an exploration of an idea rather than just a design. I like to explore every possible approach, although often time is an issue. I'm into modern design - lots of steelwork, glass and alternative materials. I try to stay away from brick and weatherboard.”
Do you think what you do is a form of art?”I do consider it art because I feel it is a form of expression. It’s not only an idea on paper – it’s creating something that eventually comes to life in the form of a building. It’s something that people will look at and have an opinion on just like they would a painting on canvas. It will stir a feeling in them - whether it be good or bad.”
Hand drawing vs. computer drawing - do they both feel artistic?”They are both artistic to a point. Hand drawing definitely feels more artistic because it comes straight from my hand onto paper; it’s honest and free flowing. My interest in illustration and animation also me biased.”
Tell us about some of your favourite local and international architecture? “I think Melbourne has some really great Architecture you can wander around and see some amazing buildings. A few of my favourites include are a group of apartments on in St. Kilda, designed by a company called SJB. Essex St house by Andrew Maynard is another favourite. I like these buildings because they all encapsulate a style that really appeals to me – use of contemporary materials, colours and great shapes.
“Some classic architecture that I really like are Farnsworth House, Chicago, by Ludwig Van der Rohe and Glass House, Connecticut, by Philip Johnson.”
Is there a current trend in architecture?”Energy efficient homes are certainly becoming more popular, but good designers have been designing these types of homes for years.”
What is your ultimate goal?"I just want to design great buildings."