Welcome to Future Talks by RTF, where we dive into the minds of design pioneers shaping the architectural landscape.
In our today’s conversation, we are honored to host Martin Gruenanage, a distinguished architect whose journey began with architectural training at the Technical University of Graz, Austria. With a scholarship leading him to London, he became a fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Martin’s diverse experience, from working in the United Arabian Emirates to contributing to projects in the UK, Ireland, and India, showcases his commitment to excellence. In 2007, he founded Space Group of Architects, a chartered RIBA practice, focusing on sustainable design, facade development, and the integration of future technologies into architecture.
Join us as we explore Martin’s insights and experiences in bringing design stories to life.
RTF: Hi Martin, We are glad to have you as a guest on Future Talks by RTF. Thanks for joining us. Do you consider design philosophy to be time-relative? How does Space Group reflect your design philosophy?
Martin: There is a dual answer to your question: On the one hand we thrive to achieve timeless end results. On the other hand one has to move with the times. There has to be constant evolution in order to achieve an even better and more sustainable future. If it was not for that we might still live in caves. That being said, I love to explore new material technologies, discover new and old techniques and spend some time on research.
RTF: What were the obstacles in building and scaling Space Group Architects? And what did it take to tackle them?
Martin: This might sound a bit crazy, but despite the practice’s existence of almost 17 years, I still see it as a new thing. During this time we had everything thrown at us: A huge recession, the outcome of the Brexit referendum and its immediate impact, a global pandemic and nowadays a very weak UK economy and an incredibly incompetent government. All of these aspects have an impact on our clients – both private and commercial – and therefore on us. To me it feels as if we have gone from one crisis to the next. Whilst one gets used to that, it would be nice to have a bit of normality in order to enable secure and considered growth.
RTF: What are your most rewarding projects and what makes them stand out?
Martin: It would be unfair to pick one or even some; unfair in the sense to our clients whose projects have not been picked and unfair to the projects themselves, which are like children to us. However, it is worth remembering that it is not always a built project that might be the personal favourite. On the other hand I also designed my own family home, which is of course hugely important on a personal level. But in order not to fully dodge your question I just give you the classic answer: The next one!
RTF: ‘Falling out of love’ with the practice and ‘obsessing’ over a project is not an uncommon phenomenon in creative fields. How does one keep a stable head to pursue design to the best of their abilities?
Martin: I cannot imagine falling out of love with the practice or what I do! Do I sometimes hate my work? Of course, everyone does, at least every now and then and especially on a cold Monday morning. However, the profession does not seem to be very honest about that sometimes. The way one works might change over time and in fact it probably should and certainly has for me. I learned that obsessing is not healthy. It is sometimes worth stepping away and reflecting on what is worth fighting for and what is just vanity.
RTF: What is your perspective on the evolving role of architectural criticism and the influence of architectural critics in the digital age?
Martin: I think the question goes well beyond architecture: We seem to be living in an age where everyone seems to feel entitled to an opinion on everything at all times. Destructive and even unjust criticism is click-bait. This can be particularly damaging for a profession such as ours. Architecture is very accessible and subjective. I always like to say: ‘Would you give a brain surgeon your opinion on how to do his/her job?’ As colleagues we tend to be too harsh to each other. Again, it is sometimes worth asking for what the aim is. Is it worth pointing out every detail that one could have done slightly better or flagging the truly awful?
RTF: How do you approach communicating your architectural projects and ideas to a wider audience? Are there specific communication strategies you find most effective?
Martin: We have recently released a new book about our work which we are very proud of. We also had an exhibition here in London which is now travelling to Austria. I think these are fantastic ways to interact with an audience but I also do simply like our website and I have to admit that Instagram is a fantastic but somewhat addictive social media platform. We also have a newsletter but we sometimes struggle to find the time to get it out. This is certainly a good way to stay in touch.
RTF: Which has been the most rewarding project for you until today? And, what factors made it so?
Martin: If I have to pick one it has to be my home. All architecture aside, we love living in it. Isn’t that what’s most important? It is nice to know that it is also valued by my peers and that it has won awards, but trust me, my kids do not care about that.
RTF: What are your views on working collaboratively with engineers, contractors and consultants? How exciting and challenging it is at the same time?
Martin: I have a structural background myself and perhaps as a result of that we understand structural engineers quite well. I certainly enjoy working with them. I find M&E engineers more challenging but ultimately it is a team effort. Contractors on the other hand can either make or break a project. We had the pleasure of working with truly wonderful ones that appreciate the wider vision and the craftsmanship. Unfortunately you get the occasional awful one as well. They tend to take up a lot of your energy.
RTF: How does a community make ‘An Architect’? And how important is the role of parents in shaping a child, who is sensitive towards art and architecture?
Martin: I think one can only allow a child free reign; they find their path and I am only here to provide support to their strengths and passions. I am not sure how I’d feel if my two daughters were to announce that they would like to become an architect. I would certainly not pressure them into that direction. In any event I think a child needs to be gifted to begin with and then it is essential to educate an aspiring architecture student that for most the actual design aspect lies at just 5%.
RTF: How do you keep yourself motivated? What would you suggest to the budding architects who await success in the field? What must be the mindset?
Martin: Architecture is a lifestyle. You cannot escape it. When you go to a restaurant you cannot help snagging the ceiling and wondering why they did not find a better way to set out the access panels. Most of my holidays are planned around architecture of some sort. When I visit a contemporary art gallery I tend to reflect on how a piece can be translated back into our work.
It is also not an overly well paid profession. It is thus full dedication and one needs to be prepared for that. But it can be a wonderful job and, like so many things in life, it does get easier over time irrespective of what I thought when I started out. Seeing a completed project, making a book and stopping to reflect on what has been achieved is perhaps the best motivation for what is yet to come.
Thank you so much for doing this interview with us. It has been a pleasure getting to know about you and your work. We’re sure that your insights will be highly valuable to our audience which includes architects and design students.
