Podcast Summary: The Grand Tourist with Dan Rubinstein
Episode: Frida Escobedo: The Curious Architect
Release Date: November 13, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of "The Grand Tourist", host Dan Rubinstein delves into the world of contemporary architecture with Frida Escobedo, a pioneering architect renowned for her innovative approach and significant contributions to the design landscape. At just 45 years old, Escobedo has already made a global impact, notably with her 2018 Serpentine Pavilion and her upcoming $500 million commission for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new Modern and Contemporary art wing in New York. This in-depth conversation explores her early influences, educational journey, design philosophy, and future aspirations.

Early Life and Influences

Frida Escobedo begins by reflecting on her childhood in Mexico City, highlighting the profound impact of the 1985 earthquake. Despite being only five years old at the time, the earthquake's aftermath left lasting impressions on her perception of urban resilience and architectural scars.

"I was only 5, so. But I still remember it very clearly... the effect on the city had a huge impact on me."
— Frida Escobedo, [03:12]

She reminisces about the vibrant energy of Mexico City, contrasting the lively public spaces with areas that fell into disrepair post-earthquake, such as the once-magical Roma neighborhood.

"Mexico City is always very lively. There's a lot of activity in the street. Everything happens in the public realm."
— Frida Escobedo, [03:45]

Educational Journey: From Mexico to Harvard

Escobedo discusses her architectural education in Mexico, emphasizing its practicality and business-oriented approach, which contrasted with her desire for a more conceptual and philosophical understanding of architecture.

"They would prepare you for life, for becoming someone who would either work in a studio or own a studio. I kind of missed a little bit more of like the conceptual background..."
— Frida Escobedo, [05:13]

Her transformative experience came in her final years when a professor introduced her to the deeper meanings behind architectural decisions, linking form with the spirit of a place.

"This was the first time when someone was really explaining me why things were built in a specific way..."
— Frida Escobedo, [06:55]

Seeking to broaden her horizons, Escobedo pursued the Design in the Public Domain program at Harvard, attracted by its multidisciplinary approach and potential for independent study.

"It was a multidisciplinary approach. To me it was like, maybe this is the way about thinking about my career again."
— Frida Escobedo, [13:43]

Early Career and First Projects

Upon returning to Mexico from Harvard, Escobedo remained deeply connected to her roots, simultaneously engaging in academic pursuits and practical projects. Her collaboration with Jose Rojas on the Hotel Bocachica in Acapulco marked her first major project, where she worked on revitalizing a rundown area by blending modernism with historical layers.

"We tried to pull them in and also reinterpreting some of the classic furniture... creating something that is fresh."
— Frida Escobedo, [11:24]

Signature Projects and Milestones

Serpentine Pavilion 2018

One of Escobedo's most acclaimed works, the 2018 Serpentine Pavilion in London, showcased her ability to blend temporality with site-specific design, creating an experiential architectural piece that resonated with both time and space.

"It was about designing for a place that you didn't know... creating memories on the same principle."
— Frida Escobedo, [25:51]

Her approach rejected conventional permanence, instead focusing on the pavilion's ability to adapt and be recontextualized in different settings.

Aesop Boutiques

Escobedo's collaboration with Aesop, designing five innovative stores across locations like Miami and New York, highlights her talent in creating bespoke retail environments that reflect the spirit of each neighborhood.

"It required to do a little bit of analysis... something that tied with the surrounding neighborhood."
— Frida Escobedo, [29:18]

Design Philosophy: Kindness and Curiosity

Escobedo emphasizes the importance of kindness in architecture, particularly as a tool to navigate a predominantly male-dominated industry. Her empathetic approach fosters collaboration and ensures that her designs resonate on a human level.

"Kindness is a very surprising tool... making someone feel heard was almost equally as important as making your voice be heard."
— Frida Escobedo, [31:20]

Her inherent curiosity drives her to question established norms and explore new possibilities, whether it's through material experimentation or innovative spatial configurations.

"I hope that I'm a curious architect... to keep exploring and finding new narratives."
— Frida Escobedo, [34:29]

Current and Upcoming Projects

Bergen Residential Condo, Brooklyn

Escobedo's Bergen project in Brooklyn exemplifies her signature use of brick to create an undulating facade that fosters community interaction while respecting existing neighborhood dynamics.

"We chose brick for the facade... creating shadows or open corners or little windows that you can peek through."
— Frida Escobedo, [37:53]

Her design promotes both connectivity and privacy, ensuring a harmonious living experience within the urban fabric of Brooklyn.

Metropolitan Museum of Art's New Wing

Her most ambitious project to date, the Met's Modern and Contemporary art wing, positions Escobedo at the forefront of global architecture. She approaches this with a blend of responsibility and excitement, aiming to infuse the space with her unique narrative style.

"It's a huge responsibility, but also it's really fascinating to interact with an institution that is a city on its own."
— Frida Escobedo, [40:47]

Teaching and Mentorship

As an educator, Escobedo advocates for fostering curiosity and encouraging students to ask insightful questions rather than merely providing answers. She believes in empowering the next generation to find their unique voices and approach to architecture.

"I would like to shift that idea to be able to give my students the opportunity to ask the right questions."
— Frida Escobedo, [46:32]

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Escobedo envisions her studio expanding its portfolio with a balance of large-scale commissions and meaningful smaller projects. She aims to integrate social responsibility into her work, exploring pro bono opportunities and sustainable design practices.

"The next step is to be able to have that same level of engagement... finding better clients and being able to become a better architect."
— Frida Escobedo, [44:37]

Conclusion

Frida Escobedo's journey as an architect is marked by a relentless pursuit of innovation, a deep-rooted connection to her cultural heritage, and a compassionate approach to design. Her ability to blend curiosity with kindness not only sets her apart in the architectural realm but also inspires a more inclusive and thoughtful approach to creating spaces that resonate with humanity.

Notable Quotes:

• "Kindness is a very surprising tool... making someone feel heard was almost equally as important as making your voice be heard." — Frida Escobedo, [31:20]

• "I hope that I'm a curious architect... to keep exploring and finding new narratives." — Frida Escobedo, [34:29]

• "We chose brick for the facade... creating shadows or open corners or little windows that you can peek through." — Frida Escobedo, [37:53]

• "It was about integrating the idea of having a community... creating something that is really different and that has a spirit of its own." — Frida Escobedo, [35:23]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Frida Escobedo's architectural philosophy, professional milestones, and personal reflections, providing listeners with an insightful overview of her contributions to the design world.