A+u 18:08, 575: Selgascano

Jose Selgas and Lucia Cano started their firm with one goal: to build. Selgascano were not distracted by writing, starting a publication, or teaching, which many young firms engage in to earn a living Out of necessity, they questioned established construction methods due to the very low budget of their first commission, the Badajoz Conference Centre and Auditorium. This process developed the recognizable elements of their work; lightweight, industrial materials, creative solutions, and color These elements can be seen in the light, polycarbonate canopy of the Merida Factory Youth Movement, various use of plastics in El ‘B’ Cartagena, and the colorful Serpentine Pavilion In 1992, Jose Selgas and Lucia Cano established their firm selgascano in Madrid, Spain. As their first monograph with a+u, this issue features their major works since 2006. Questioning established construction methods led to a process that included fabrication, installation, and listening to workers. This process was created out of necessity due to the very low budget of their first commission, the Badajoz Conference Centre and Auditorium. This project developed the recognizable elements of selgascano’s work; lightweight, industrial materials, creative solutions, and color. Examples of this process can be seen in the light, polycarbonate canopy of the Merida Factory Youth Movement, various use of plastics in El ‘B’ Cartagena, and the colorful Serpentine Pavilion. Their approach to design has been described in an essay by Ryue Nishizawa, who traveled with selgascano to their projects. Text in English and Japanese.