In Buenos Aires he experienced the Modern Movement through the early work of Clorindo Testa; after visiting his office in the late eighties they eventually became friends. He co-organized events with Jorge Glusberg (CAYC) for the BA/Bienal Internacional de Arquitectura de Buenos Aires,[2] where he exhibited experimental projects.[3] Hosted by Peter Cook, in 2000 Pouchulu lectured in London on his Architectural Fictions.[4] He attended the Venice Biennale, and Documenta in Kassel, where he met Yona Friedman.[5]
Understanding
Pouchulu's predicate shows a subtle oscillation between historical principles and contemporary programmes, in pursuit of synthesis and symbolic unity. He is detached from conceptual fragmentation, parametric resources or digital imaginary as a source of inspiration. Furthermore, he has been an outsider of architectural movements like Deconstructivism. Though his spaces are often composed with methods from Structuralism, they show a high degree of freedom, probably inspired by Oscar Niemeyer. His work exudes spirituality,[6] like his Grand Egyptian Museum or House in a Cliff.[7]
Practice
Pouchulu is partnering with engineers Patrick Teuffel (Stuttgart), developing a sustainable project in the Netherlands, and since 2005 with Nick MacLean (working on conversions in protected areas in central London). Previously he worked with Susanne Biek on international competitions (Munich 1999–04). He has been applying working parameters produced from his researches, particularly ESP (Essential Spatial Project) and LEA (Light Easy Architecture), where structural and function configurations are co-determined by lightweight components and green energy.
