|
A conversation with Eric Cobb.
OTh: What 3 conceptual directions
would you consider to be the mainstay in your
work?
Eric Cobb: The first is Intelligent Strategies
(if you call that a conceptual direction). Intelligent
strategies are often of the most critical aspect of our
design process. They are specifically developed for each
project (they can be wildly different) to both support
our interests and work effectively towards project
viability. In addition, the strategies must be fluid at
times, often evolving as the project takes shape or
swerves. If we do it right, the project will be smart,
and built.
The second would be Structure as a raw space defining
material. Wherever practicable, we implement structure
as raw, minimal and present, defining space with it's
own logic. Our work also approaches virtually every
element as structural- floating stair treads, long span
handrails, cantilevered glass panels, moment frames,
walls, roofs and columns etc. They are detailed as
elements with structural presence- exhibiting a
materials properties (or lack there of). Structure is
not a mystery of steel hidden behind
"furred-out" walls. We don't "furr".
Not much space for mice.
The third is exploring the space of sculpture. While we
don't talk about our work as sculpture, we are very
focused on exploring the space in, around, above
and below the object. This is the space of sculpture.
Often, we allow the object to impose itself on space, at
other times, the space
makes the object. These conditions are true with both
interior and exterior spaces.
|
|
|
believe that when we are successful, these
materials transcend
their common associations. The assemblies are
absolutely critical to the work- they are
closely tied to the structural logic and
presence, as well as controlled detailing.
OTh:
What is your take on spatiality from inside
buildings to outside, and vice versa?
Eric Cobb: It is always a battle to
make space that crosses the "climate
control membrane". In many ways, climate
control is an arbitary line in space. Often, it
makes perfect sense to acknowledge this line,
however, in other cases, we attempt to minimize
its presence.
OTh: What projects are you
working on at the moment/near future. Do you
have a vision for how you will develop your
work?
|
Eric Cobb:
At the moment, we
are involved in several residential projects,
and have just recently begun work on two
industrial buildings. Spatially, we are
experimenting with "semi-embedded
volumes" in two current projects- the
Leschi Residence, and East Columbia Residence.
OTh:
Which, if any artists or architects have
influenced you in your work and how?
Eric Cobb: Scarpa, Neutra, Brancusi,
Giacometti.
OTh:
Your design works have a tight relationship with
engineering, sometimes they seem like highly
engineered sculptures.
 |
|
|
OTh: You seem to place a major
emphasis on materials and assembly. Concrete,
glass and steel are important in your works. How
would you describe the relevance of these issues
in your work?
Eric Cobb: We prefer to work with
non-precious, readily available materials. They
allow details, proportion, light and space to
characterize the work. At the same time we
|
 |
Do
you want to elaborate on this?
Eric Cobb: In sculpture, it seems that
form and structure are accepted as inseparable.
However, in architecture, a highly developed
industry of "finishes" has pushed
structure behind the scenes, allowing for
elaborate skins over "dumbed-down"
structures. Industry standard construction
sequence also prefers a rough concealed frame,
with layers of finish intended to tidy up and
shape space with another strategy. We attempt to
make structure a player: an object, a surface
and an edge.
|
|
