Francesco Draisci - architect

Creating art installations with the same passion he develops architectural drawings, Francesco Draisci’s work has been on show at the V&A in London and at the Venice Biennale. He has lectured the University of London, Cambridge and Eidenhoven. At present he teaches at the Marangoni Institute – London.
Francesco Draisci’s career is at the heart of an amazing artistic milieu. He has worked with Richard Rogers Partenership (Pompidou Centre in Paris, Lloyds of London, the Millenium Dome, Heathrow Terminal 5) and Ron Arad (Bouncing Vase, Tom Vac Chair, Concrete Stereo) – big international names in both design and architecture.
In 2002 Francesco formed a multidisciplinary studio (Francesco Draisci Studio Limited), a platform for the creation of innovative projects. In 2005 the practice won the ‘40 architects under 40’ competition (selecting the most cutting edge practices in the UK) and in 2007, his firm was commended for sustainable architectural design in the Letchworth Garden City of Tomorrow competition. 2009 is an important year for Francesco Draisci who received thel 'Design Awards 2009' in London as well as the prestigeous 'Premio Puglia 2009' handed over by the President of Puglia from the plush surroundings of the Teatro del Fuoco of Foggia, Italy.

(please refer to the bottom of the page to find useful links relating to the field of Architecture)

Accademia Apulia has asked Francesco Draisci the following questions:

From Cerignola to London - why?

I went to Florence first where I studied for ten years so my northbound journey towards London has been – gradual. I came here looking for opportunities within a culture I became interested in ever since I was a youngster – from music to art, from literature to fashion.
 
What was your first job in London?

Some twelve years ago I secured my first job chelping creating props for an amazing Installation by American theatre director Bob Wilson (he’s recently staged Verdi’s Aida in Italy – albeit a minimalist one) located in some derelict old prison in London. A great opportunity offered to me by some English friends.

What is your academic background  - Made in Italy?

I studied first at the Liceo Scientifico A. Einstein of Cerignola and after that I joined the Universita’ degli Studi di Firenze for a degree in architecture. I have also undertaken some courses out of personal interest: Estetics, Massmedia, Cinema History. I’ve also attended a specialist course for the craftsmanship of alabaster. I would say that my artistic drive has always wanted to combine elements that go beyond the ‘course notes’ - they come from from travels, exhibitions and music.

Which has been the most gratifying moment to date?

So far I have been lucky and managed to reap some professional rewards:   the installation at NAKED (2000) for Corian e Dornbracht; the '40 under 40' (2005) prize , the “Home Sweet Home” installation for the Brilliant Exhibition at the V&A. I hope that a greater and more gratifying time is still to come.  
Which has been the most diffucult?

Workl projects are not always easy to develop and manage, however what I find difficult is to secure the commissions I enjoy most.

Four brothers in the Draisci family unit – all artists: 1. Architect; 2. Graphic Designer; 3. Photographer; Musician. All living in London. How did the ‘nature/nurture' raltionship influence your creative develpment?
 
My mother, a school teacher for many years, writes poetry. My father used to draw and sing,  quite well, even though he worked as an administrator for a local hospital. It’s difficult to establish if a genetic component is solely responsible for one’s interest in culture. For sure my brothers and I were brought up in a family unit that enjoyed creativity, especially dressing up with a little eccentricity –  sometimes contrasting the conformity of the provincial southern Italian town. we came from.  Nonetheless, our family interactions were always motivated by a sense of freedom - open to culture  - music, reading and drawing.
Sometimes a younster living in a small town, has no choice but to look for new directions and stimuli elsewhere. Despite an age difference, my brothers and I always shared interests which sometimes isolated us from our peers. At some point, faced by bigger ambitions, the moment came for us to look, indipendetly from one another, for greener pastures and we left the family unit. At present all of us are living in London.
 
Richard Roger and Ron Arad – are some of the biggest names in international design and architecture. How did a Pugliese manage to secure a job with one of the most celebrated firms in the world?  

Big names too need others to help them turn big ideas into reality.
My origins, being from Puglia, have never been a problem to me. However, I've always worked hard at anything, showing willingness to learn and pride, without ever expecting ‘miracles’. I’ve never been frightened by difficult or humble task.  But, I must say, being a little forward (brave) does help  ... one’s luck! 

Your work has been shown in museums as well as being published in international magazines, but before this success  have you ever experienced any diffucult moments? How have you overcome them?

Undoubtely, any recognition is gratifying - it encourages a person to believe in himself - but crises too are just as important – they allows us to understand our strengths and weaknesses. Crises make us understand what is really important. Measuring up with others who may be experiencing similar difficulties make you realise you are not suffering alone –  positive outlook and faith give you strength to go on.

What is your next dream?  

New Installations and architectural projects that utilise energy in a sensible and sustainable manner.  
 
As you know, one of the objectives of the Accademia Apulia is to help youngsters benefit from an international work/study experience. We do this also by identifying role models that have been able to establish themselves overseas. You represent an exceptional example of which Puglia is particularly proud. What is your message for youngsters who are starting out?

Very difficult question! ... However, I believe that nurturing one’s strengths and establishing in which sector thay can be best employed, is most important; you also need a fair amount of  old fashioned ambition ... as well as loads of energy to support your dreams!

Which book will you pack for your next holiday? Which film will you watch next?
 
I think i’d like to read an essay ... a philosophycal one maybe,; however, ‘The little Gruffalo’ or even  “Winnie the Pooh and the mysterious honey' are the books I'll definately pack for my next holiday. As far as films are concerned, I'd like to watch something with dragons, monstrous creatures and planet-saving-knights!

 

 

 

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Where to study architecture in London - useful links

London Metropolitan University

AA - Architectural Association School of Architecture

Barlet School - Faculty of Built Environment

UEL - University of East London - AVA (Architecture & the Visual Arts)

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You may wish to read other architects' interviews: Giafranco Spada,

You will find some articles on Francesco Draisci's work by following the links below:

 

 

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