Architecture as an Expression of Personal Identity
Regarded as an artistic expression that transcends the mere construction of physical spaces, architecture reveals that the environments we inhabit are extensions of who we are. When there is a harmonious integration between design and art, space is transformed into a profound aesthetic and emotional experience.
The relationship between these disciplines — each with distinct objectives yet capable of working interdependently — has the power to turn built environments into rich, multifaceted experiences. Functionality, aesthetics, and emotion intertwine to create spaces that go beyond mere practicality.
Architect Fernanda Marques, founder of the eponymous studio, highlights that this integration of elements not only shapes residential spaces but also evokes emotions and fosters deep connections with those who inhabit them.
In Fernanda’s perspective, design is not just an aesthetic addition; it is the guiding thread that links a space’s functionality to its ability to evoke sensations. “I love mixing codes, discovering poetry in everyday objects,” she says, emphasizing the importance of details in crafting a sensitive narrative in each project.
In her CARBONO project, for example, the use of wood on the ceiling of an eighth-floor apartment in São Paulo—overlooking Ibirapuera Park—transforms the urban setting into a natural retreat. This choice was not purely aesthetic but a response to the emotional need of the clients to feel as if they were living in a countryside home, even in the heart of the city. On the central wall, an intense blue painting by Ana Jobim enhances the linearity of the space, while in the dining room, a minimalist chandelier by Cypriot designer Michael Anastassiades completes the composition.
The Influence of Art in Spatial Composition
Within this context, art plays a fundamental role in the studio’s work—not merely as a decorative element but as an active participant in shaping the space. A prime example is the ERETZ project, in which the architect collaborated closely with the clients to create an art collection that not only adorns the home but also imbues it with meaning.
Works by artists such as James Kudo, Marcia Xavier, Betina Vaz, Estela Sokol, Guilherme Dable, Arthur Lescher, and Laura Vinci blend seamlessly with contemporary furniture, creating a harmony between the new and the classic, the simple and the sophisticated. This symbiosis between art and design breathes life into spaces that transcend the conventional, turning the home into a place of contemplation.
In OSKAR, the project is conceived as a kind of theatrical stage, with gray serving as the base chromatic element, present in the finishes and upholstery. The social area features true gems of art and design: a photograph by Balleister, an intense red painting by Gabriela Costa, prints by Barsotti, a wall sculpture by Marcelo Silveira, photographs by Luc Bresson, and the iconic Vermelha armchair by Fernando and Humberto Campana.
The Importance of Natural Materials in Modern Architecture
Another central aspect of Fernanda Marques’ philosophy is the use of materials that evoke a natural and timeless aesthetic. In the KINTSUGI RESIDENCE project, the architect meticulously curated design pieces that celebrate ancestral materials such as stone and wood in their most natural form. “I always strive to highlight both fullness and emptiness,” Fernanda explains, referring to her minimalist approach that emphasizes the harmony between space and artistic elements. In this context, objects are not merely decorative but integral to a visual narrative that enriches the environment.
This space features works by Abraham Palatnik, Julio Le Parc, José Patricio, and Fernando Velasquez, alongside exclusive design accessories from Firmacasa and Dpot Objetos, as well as pieces by Estúdio Niz, St. James, and Jacqueline Terpins.
Lighting also plays a leading role in her projects. In London Penthouse, one of the greatest challenges was ensuring that the collector couple’s art pieces—including works by Adriana Varejão and Zhang Huan—were displayed in the best possible way. To achieve this, lighting was carefully designed to balance natural and artificial light, enhancing the artwork without overwhelming the space. This project, which won the A’Design Awards 2016 – Gold, is a prime example of how light can be just as essential as any other raw material in constructing a home that is both functional and aesthetically captivating.
Transforming Architecture into Art
When design and art merge with architecture, the result is a home that transcends its practical function. The space becomes a living environment where every object, material choice, and artwork contribute to a fully immersive aesthetic experience. “The goal is always to create a home with its own identity—a refuge for the soul,” Fernanda concludes. In this way, architecture reveals itself not just as construction but as a true living art form, capable of transforming and inspiring those who experience it.
